LivewellOhio · River
Shade River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Shade River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 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 Shade 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 Shade River
Freshwater Drum
| 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