FISHING LICENSES REQUIRED

Fishing at the Rowland Nature Preserve (excerpted from the Chronicle-Telegram on 3/31/15)

Division of Wildlife fish biologists have already completed a preliminary survey of the fish stock and discovered largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed sunfish within the lake. The agreement will open up for more extensive surveying in the future and possible fish stocking from ODNR hatcheries.

Fishing without a license at the Rowland Nature Preserve Lake is not permitted and is considered a misdemeanor.

Anglers can obtain licenses by mail, online through a secure ODNR website or at local businesses like Discount Drug Mart, Walmart, Elyria Hardware and Elyria Rural King — a full list is available online. The permit fees collected go directly into the Division of Wildlife’s fund base to support recreation and conservation. Buy a license here.

For more information, visit wildohio.gov or call (800) 945-3543. To contact Elyria Township call (440) 324-9462.

WHY IS THERE A WINDMILL AT THE ROWLAND NATURE PRESERVE?

The purpose of the windmill. When the windmill blades turn they are pumping air to an air stone that is tied below the two duck decoys. The air generated from the windmill is keeping the lake from totally freezing and this generates oxygen in the water so the fish can survive the winter. The diameter of the water ring is approximately 20′. A word of caution for the ice fisherman: keep your distance from this water ring because, obviously, the ice is thinner in this area.

PAVILION

The pavilion is available on a first come, first served basis.