Gordon Park is a small urban pond in Columbus with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish

Gordon Park sits on the northeast side of Columbus and holds a 10-acre pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The park is open to the public year-round during daylight hours, and fishing is permitted from the bank and a small dock area. You'll need an Ohio fishing license to fish here, and the pond follows standard state regulations for bass (14-inch minimum length limit) and panfish (no minimum).

The water is shallow in most areas, averaging 8 to 12 feet, which makes it suitable for beginners and families. The pond is surrounded by open grass and some trees, offering shade in summer. Parking is available at the park entrance, and the walk to the water is short — typically under 100 yards from the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • Gordon Park requires an Ohio fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife or at most sporting goods retailers.
  • Largemouth bass must be at least 14 inches long; bluegill and catfish have no minimum size limit in Ohio.
  • The pond is open during daylight hours year-round, but spring and fall typically produce the most consistent fishing.
  • Bank fishing and dock access are available, though the dock space is limited and can be crowded on weekends.

Best seasons and what fish are active

Spring (March through May) is the most productive season at Gordon Park. Bass move into shallow water to spawn, and bluegill become aggressive as water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. Early morning and late afternoon are the most reliable times, especially in April and May when the water is warming but not yet hot.

Summer (June through August) can be slow during midday heat, but early morning and evening sessions still produce. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade, so focus on the dock area and any submerged structure. Channel catfish bite throughout the night in summer, so if you're willing to fish after dark, bring a headlamp and set out rod holders with cut bait or chicken liver.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass move back to shallower feeding zones. October is often the best month of the year at Gordon Park. Winter fishing is possible but slow; most anglers skip December through February unless they're specifically targeting catfish.

What tackle and bait work best

For largemouth bass, medium-power spinning rods with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line work well in this shallow pond. Soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches), crankbaits, and topwater lures all produce, especially early and late in the day. If you're new to bass fishing, start with a simple Texas-rigged worm or a shallow-running crankbait — both are forgiving and effective.

Bluegill respond to small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), live crickets, or small spinners. A light ultralight rod makes bluegill fishing fun and keeps the experience engaging even when bass are slow. Channel catfish want cut shad, chicken liver, or stink bait fished on the bottom with a simple slip sinker rig. You can fish multiple rods for catfish (Ohio allows up to three lines per person), so set them out and wait.

Live baitfish — shiners or shad — are also effective for bass and can be caught in the pond itself using a cast net or small seine if you have the skill. Many anglers bring a bucket and spend 15 minutes catching shiners before switching to bass fishing.

Access, parking, and facilities

Gordon Park is located at 1021 East Broad Street in Columbus. Parking is free and located near the pond entrance. The park has restrooms and picnic tables, making it a reasonable spot for a half-day outing with family. There is no boat launch, so fishing is limited to bank and dock access.

The dock can hold only a few anglers at a time, so arrive early on weekends if dock fishing is your preference. Bank fishing is available along most of the pond's perimeter, though some sections are overgrown or less accessible. The best bank access is on the north and east sides of the pond.

The park is in an urban setting, so expect some noise from nearby traffic and activity. It is not a remote wilderness experience, but it is a legitimate fishing opportunity within the city limits.

Regulations and licensing

You must have a valid Ohio fishing license to fish Gordon Park. Licenses are sold through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website (wildohio.gov) and at most sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some Walmart locations. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license, so if you're visiting just once, that may be your best option.

Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Bluegill and other panfish have no minimum size but a 30-fish daily limit. Channel catfish have no minimum size and a 10-fish daily limit. Catch-and-release is always allowed and encouraged if you want to fish longer without hitting your bag limit.

Fishing hours are sunrise to sunset. No night fishing is permitted at Gordon Park, which limits catfish opportunities to evening sessions before dark.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake at Gordon Park is fishing the middle of the day in summer. The pond is small and shallow, so bass and bluegill move to deeper water or shade when the sun is high. If you can only fish midday, focus on the dock area and any trees or structure that provide shade.

Another frequent error is using tackle that's too heavy. Gordon Park is a small pond with modest fish, so heavy bass rods and thick line spook fish in the clear, shallow water. Drop down to medium or even light tackle, and you'll catch more fish.

Anglers also often overlook bluegill and catfish while waiting for bass. If bass aren't biting, switch to bluegill with a small jig or live cricket — you'll stay active and have fun. Catfish are reliable in summer and fall, so don't dismiss them as a backup plan.

Nearby alternatives if Gordon Park doesn't work

If Gordon Park is crowded or the bite is slow, Griggs Reservoir (about 10 miles north) is a larger impoundment with better bass populations and more space. Hoover Reservoir (north of Westerville) is another solid option with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Both require the same Ohio license and have similar regulations.

For a different experience, Alum Creek (which runs through Columbus) offers smallmouth bass and channel catfish in a flowing-water setting. Bank access is available at several public areas, though you'll need to scout for the best spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Gordon Park?

Yes, you need a valid Ohio fishing license. You can buy a one-day license online through wildohio.gov or at most sporting goods stores. The cost varies, but a one-day license is typically under $15.

Can I fish at night at Gordon Park?

No, Gordon Park closes at sunset. Night fishing is not permitted. If you want to fish for catfish in the evening, plan to arrive before dark and fish until sunset.

What's the best time of year to fish Gordon Park?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most productive seasons. Summer early morning and evening sessions work, but midday is typically slow. Winter is possible but slow for most anglers.

Can I use multiple fishing rods at Gordon Park?

Yes, Ohio allows up to three lines per person. This is useful for catfish fishing, where you can set multiple rods with different baits and wait for bites.

Is there a boat launch at Gordon Park?

No, there is no boat launch. Fishing is limited to bank and dock access only. Kayaks and small float tubes are not permitted.