What You'll Find at Dawes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum sits just outside Newark in Licking County and holds several small ponds that hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The ponds are shallow, weedy, and warm—classic warm-water habitat that rewards anglers who work the edges and structure rather than casting into open water. The arboretum itself is a public garden and nature preserve, and fishing is permitted in designated areas under a simple set of rules.

The ponds here are not destination fisheries in the way that a major reservoir might be, but they are reliable local water. If you live in or near Newark, you can fish these ponds without a long drive, and the setting—surrounded by landscaped grounds and native plantings—makes it a different experience than a typical public pond. The fish are not large, but they are consistent, and the shallow structure means you can sight-fish on clear days.

Key Takeaways

  • Dawes Arboretum ponds hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in shallow, weedy water that responds well to topwater and soft plastics.
  • Fishing is permitted year-round in designated areas, but you must follow arboretum rules and stay in allowed zones.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer heat pushes fish deeper into weeds and shade.
  • A valid Ohio fishing license is required, and the ponds are best fished from shore or with a small kayak or canoe.
  • The arboretum charges an entrance fee, and hours vary by season, so call ahead before you plan a trip.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is when these ponds come alive. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Bluegill are also active and hungry. Topwater lures, small crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 3- to 4-inch range all work. Fish the edges of the weeds and any woody cover you can find.

Summer (June through August) is slower. The ponds warm quickly in shallow water, and fish retreat into the thickest weed cover and the deepest holes they can find. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Live bluegill or shiners work better than artificials when the sun is high. Catfish bite throughout the day if you use chicken liver or cut shad near the bottom.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite. Water cools, fish move back to mid-depth structure, and topwater becomes effective again. This is often the best time to fish these ponds if you want consistent action and don't mind cooler weather.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The ponds may freeze, and fish are lethargic. Some anglers fish for catfish through the ice, but most local anglers skip these ponds in winter and fish larger lakes or rivers in the region.

Tackle and Techniques for Shallow Ponds

These ponds are shallow and weedy, so your tackle should match. A 6- to 6.5-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line gives you the sensitivity to feel weeds and structure and the power to set the hook in heavy cover. Pair it with a 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader if you're using topwater or crankbaits.

Topwater plugs and poppers work well in spring and fall when fish are aggressive. Work them slowly and pause between twitches—the ponds are small and quiet, and a subtle presentation often outperforms aggressive retrieves. Soft plastics rigged Texas-style on 3/16- to 1/4-ounce jigs let you fish through weeds without snagging constantly. Crawfish patterns and natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon, black) are reliable choices.

For bluegill, a small jig (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with a 2-inch soft plastic or a small popper will catch fish all day. Bluegill are abundant and willing, so this is good water if you want to introduce someone new to fishing or if you want a relaxing afternoon with consistent bites.

Catfish respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits fished on the bottom with a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker. Fish near the deepest holes and let the bait sit. Catfish bite throughout the day and into the night, though evening and early morning are most productive.

Rules, Hours, and Access

Fishing is permitted in designated areas of Dawes Arboretum, but you must follow the rules. A valid Ohio fishing license is required—you can purchase one online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife or at any sporting goods store. The arboretum charges an entrance fee; the amount varies, so call ahead. Hours change seasonally, and some areas may be closed for maintenance or special events.

You can fish from shore in most designated areas. The ponds are small enough that you can cover them on foot, and wading is possible in some spots, though the bottom is often soft and muddy. A small kayak or canoe is allowed in some areas but not others—check with the arboretum office before you bring one. No gas motors are permitted, and no overnight camping is allowed.

The arboretum is a public garden, so respect the landscaping and other visitors. Stay in designated fishing areas, pack out what you pack in, and keep noise to a reasonable level. The staff are generally accommodating to anglers, but they enforce the rules, so follow them.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Dawes Arboretum is located at 7770 Jacksontown Road SE, about 10 miles southeast of Newark. From Interstate 71, take Exit 131 and follow signs to the arboretum. Parking is available near the entrance, and the ponds are a short walk from the parking area. GPS coordinates are approximately 40.1°N, 82.2°W if you want to plug them into your phone.

Plan to spend two to four hours fishing, depending on how much you want to explore. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent—the ponds are surrounded by vegetation, and mosquitoes can be heavy in summer. If you're fishing in spring or fall, a light jacket is a good idea. The arboretum has restrooms near the entrance, but there are no food vendors, so bring snacks or eat before you arrive.

Call the arboretum office before you go to confirm hours, entrance fees, and any seasonal closures. Weather can affect access—heavy rain can close some areas, and winter ice may make fishing impossible. A quick call saves a wasted trip.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Dawes Arboretum ponds are crowded or not producing, several other options sit within 20 minutes of Newark. Buckeye Lake, about 15 miles north, is a larger impoundment with better populations of largemouth bass and crappie. Alum Creek Reservoir, south of Delaware, holds walleye and catfish. The Licking River itself runs through the county and offers smallmouth bass and channel catfish, though access is limited to a few public areas.

For a different experience, Hoover Reservoir near Westerville (about 30 minutes west) is a larger, more developed fishery with better facilities and more consistent fish populations. If you want to stay local and explore other small ponds in Licking County, ask at a local tackle shop—they often know about smaller, less-publicized water that holds fish and sees less pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Dawes Arboretum ponds?

Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required. You can purchase one online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website or at any sporting goods store. A one-day license is available if you don't want a full-year license.

What's the best time of year to fish these ponds?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most productive. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and topwater lures work well. Summer is slower because fish retreat into heavy weeds, and winter is generally too cold to be worth the effort.

Can I use a boat or kayak?

Small kayaks and canoes are permitted in some areas but not others. Call the arboretum office before you bring one to confirm where you can launch and fish. No gas motors are allowed.

Are there size or catch limits?

Ohio state fishing regulations apply. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit with a five-fish daily limit. Bluegill and other sunfish have no size limit. Catfish have no size limit. Check the current Ohio fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.

What if the ponds are too crowded or not fishing well?

Buckeye Lake and Alum Creek Reservoir are both within 20 minutes and offer larger fish and more consistent action. The Licking River also holds bass and catfish, though access is more limited. A local tackle shop can point you to other small ponds in the area.