LivewellOhio · River
Hocking River (39.55, -82.47)
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Hocking River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Ohio also has statewide guidance
Ohio publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 11 recommendations covering 11 species — in addition to anything listed for Hocking River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Flathead Catfish, Over 23" — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Hocking River
Black Crappie
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Ohio's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Ohio — Ohio DNR
Getting on the water
- Trip #1 boat ramp 1.5 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.7 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.