Marsh Park Fishing Lake

marsh lake sm

Thomas O. Marsh Park Fishing Lake is a natural spring-fed lake with over 4,000 feet of accessible shoreline. The lake is home to carp, catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill, northern pike, perch, trout, and walleye. The Bait House carries fresh live bait and your basic tackle needs. Beverages, snacks, and hot sandwiches are also available for purchase. An automatic gate to the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. 

Please note: Marsh Park lake is Catch and Release for all fish.

Marsh Park Master Plan

The Marsh Park Master Plan imagines Thomas O. Marsh Park as a premier destination where the community can enjoy nature, connect with one another, and take part in recreation and events. The plan focuses on four primary goals: celebrating the park’s natural environment, strengthening connections between people and the park, supporting community activities, and creating thoughtful improvements for recreation. 

View the full Marsh Park Master Plan online: https://www.fairfield-city.org/DocumentCenter/View/11083/Marsh-Park-Master-Plan-2025_0226?bidId=. 


Amenities:

  • 60 acre fishing and boating lake
  • Paved walking trail (0.75 miles) with fitness equipment
  • Hiking (unpaved) trail (1.1 miles) connects to paved walking trail
  • Bait house 
  • Gazebo
  • Grill
  • Parking lot
  • Picnic Table
  • Portalets
  • Open fields

Address:

Opening Hours/Times:

  • Year-round general park access (trails, fitness stations, general leisure):
    • Pedestrian access is from daylight to dusk (one-half hour after sunset).
    • Vehicle access is from 7:00 a.m. to dusk (one-half hour after sunset). 
    • Fishing from the shore is permitted year-round.
    • Parking lot gates will be locked each evening. 
  • 2026 Lake use:
    • All boating and fishing are permitted from February 27 – November 29
    • Dock open for fishing February 27 – November 29
    • We ask all guests to be off the Lake 30 minutes before sunset. 
    • Kayak rentals will close for the season in October, at the discretion of Rent.Fun
  • 2026 Bait House Hours:
    • February 27 through March 29: Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 8 am - 5 pm
    • March 30 - September 27: Open seven days a week from 8 am - 5 pm. 
    • September 28: Bait House is closed through the first weekend in March, 2027. 

Issues/questions:

Park Rules

In addition to Fairfield Parks and Recreation Board Sites Rules and Regulations, the following Fishing and Boating rules will be enforced:

  • Marsh Lake is strictly Catch and Release.
  • There is an inherent risk in use of the lake. Use of this Park is at your own risk. 
  • All bait shop sales are final; no refunds.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on premises.
  • Glass containers are not allowed on the premises.
  • Swimming/wading is not allowed at any time.
  • Ice on the water is never safe, do not attempt to walk on any portion of ice.

Fishing

  • A state fishing license is not required.
  • Limit of 2 poles per Adult and 1 pole per child (under 18 years of age).
  • Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Throw and trot lines are not allowed.
  • No purchasing or trading of fish is allowed.
  • All vehicles must be parked in the parking lot.
  • Snagging/netting of fish is not allowed.
  • Frogging is not allowed at any time.
  • Cleaning of fish is not allowed in the park.

Watercraft:

  • Only hand-powered boats, that have a current and valid registration sticker (OH numbers) OR the alternative registration decal are permitted on the lake. Electric trolling motors are permitted.
  • This includes: Kayaks, canoes, rowing shells, rowboats, jon boats, paddleboards.
  • Swimming in Marsh Lake is prohibited, therefore, the use of windsurfers is NOT permitted due to the likelihood of a patron being exposed to a swimming situation during the use of this type of vessel.
  • Boating is only permitted during park operating hours, in accordance with the Ohio state “dusk” law. Boaters must be off the water and loaded up prior to closing time, not AT closing time, in order for staff to close the park accordingly.
  • It is required that each person navigating Marsh Lake by boat to wear a USCG approved PFD at all times.
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when boating.

Marsh Park Electrofishing Report