Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine joined Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz on Friday night to kick off the 2025 Indian Lake fishing season.
Together with several local and state officials, the group helped stock the lake with more than 250,000 saugeye fingerlings.
The event marked the official start of Ohio Inland Fish Day, an annual celebration promoting fishing, conservation, and community engagement.
Indian Lake, known as one of the state’s most popular fishing destinations, played host to families, anglers, and conservationists from across the region.
Following the event, at a reception with local leaders and residents, Governor DeWine spoke about the lake’s significance—not just as a natural resource, but as a symbol of community resilience.
He also reflected on the devastating 2024 tornado that swept through the region and praised the community’s commitment to rebuilding.
During the reception, Dustin Wickersham of the Indian Lake Watershed Project addressed the crowd, emphasizing the group’s ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the lake’s watershed through conservation practices and community education.
As a token of appreciation for the Governor’s continued support and advocacy, Wickersham presented Governor DeWine with a lifetime membership to the Indian Lake Watershed Project.
Saturday, the fun continues with a full day of fishing on Indian Lake.
Governor DeWine, speaking with a smile, hinted he might get a little competitive: “I may just catch the biggest fish of the group,” he joked, drawing laughs from the crowd.
Ohio Inland Fish Day festivities will continue through the weekend, featuring fishing tournaments, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities designed to celebrate Ohio’s outdoor heritage and the communities that protect it.
