text: do you have to have a fishing license to fish on private property in ohio? i live in an apartment complex and we have a lake here.  do i need to have a license to fish on private property? according to the faq on http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/faqs/fishfaq.htm  9.    do i need a fishing license if i plan to fish in a private pond?      a fishing license is not required for a person who is fishing in a private pond.