LivewellOhio · Lake
Paint Creek Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Paint Creek Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
5 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Ohio also has statewide guidance
Ohio publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 11 recommendations covering 11 species — in addition to anything listed for Paint Creek Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: Flathead Catfish, Over 23" — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Paint Creek Lake
Bluegill Sunfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Channel Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Common Carp
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Saugeye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
White Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
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
- Boat ramp boat ramp 0.5 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.4 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.0 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.