Blue Sky Charters

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

On Thursday at the Ohio River Way Summit, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources officially designated the Ohio River as the state’s 18th Ohio Water Trail—and its longest yet at 167 miles.

This milestone celebrates years of community teamwork, regional partnerships, and passionate advocates who recognize the Ohio River as one of our greatest natural assets. It also builds on the National Park Service’s 2025 recognition of the Ohio River Way as a 308‑mile National Water Trail spanning Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Starting at Ice Creek in Coal Grove and flowing to Cincinnati’s Shawnee Outlook Park, this new state water trail strengthens recreation access, supports safer paddling, and highlights the cultural and historical corridor that connects river communities.

With help from initiatives like H2Ohio and Appalachian community grants, Ohio continues making measurable progress in restoring and protecting our waterways. This designation is another big step forward—and a proud moment for everyone committed to the river’s future.

🌅 Here’s to the Ohio River—now officially a state water trail and always a source of pride, adventure, and opportunity.

09/25/2026

09/22/2026

🌊 Surf's Up On Lake Erie Today!

It sure feels like autumn has arrived on the Great Lakes — we're entering the time of year when stronger winds and bigger waves become much more common.

A steady, strong northeast wind will really churn up Lake Erie today. Waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected in the western basin, with a few occasionally approaching 10 feet!

That persistent northeast wind will also push water toward the western end of the lake, so keep an eye out for higher water along parts of the Lucas and Ottawa County shoreline.

Share with someone who loves to see the waves and an angry lake!

09/22/2026

09/12/2026

🪪 Improved Licensing System Live NOW 📢
⭐ We have transitioned the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System (OWLS) to a modern e-commerce site with enhanced security features. While most people have had no issue using our new system, we want to provide some FAQs below. 🎣

📲 Frequently Asked Questions ⤵️
⏺️ Why am I being charged $1.42 transaction fee?
➡️ The online transaction fee is how our agency pays for maintenance and support of the system. The fee is assessed per transaction (not per product) for any recreational license or permit with an associated cost. The fee is only assessed online and not in person at license vendors.

⏺️ Who is PayIt, and why am I being asked to create a login and password?
➡️ PayIt Outdoors is the contractor who has been hired to support the Division of Wildlife's license system. Before accessing or creating your license account, you will need to create a unique login username using an email address. This was not required in the previous OWLS system, so we recognize it could present a challenge to some customers.

⏺️ Why can't I create an account for my child?
➡️ Our vendor, PayIt Outdoors, has limited online access for youth under the age of 13 to comply with Federal COPPA requirements. To make an online purchase, register for an event or class, or complete a game check, a guardian must link their account to the youth's.

09/01/2026

🐟 Walleye angler harvest rates set a new record high in 2025, and exceptional fishing is expected into the future. Above-average hatch success in eight of the past 11 years has sustained an abundant lake-wide population of walleye, and fish from the large 2015 year-class will provide trophy opportunities. 🙌

🎣 Walleye limit: 6 fish per day, 15-inch minimum length requirement

09/01/2026