CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is inviting the public to help release young lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River, as part of an ongoing effort to repopulate the giant fish into Ohio waterways.
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources explains that the fish, which usually measures 4-6 feet in length and typically weighs 50-100 pounds, were historically very abundant in some Ohio waterways like the Ohio River and Lake Erie. However, their numbers declined over the years, likely because more dams prevent them from reaching spawning grounds in much smaller streams.
In 2025, FOX 8 reported that for the first time thousands of juvenile lake sturgeon were released into the Cuyahoga, Sandusky, and Scioto rivers. The release was called a “historic moment” in the recovery of the Cuyahoga River, which famously caught fire decades ago due to pollution.
The reintroduction efforts have reportedly shown early signs of success.
This year, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is hosting a Lake Sturgeon Release Celebration as part of the Cleveland Metroparks’ Sturgeon Fest on Sept. 19.
In an update post to the park’s Facebook page, officials said pre-registration tickets to participate in the release of the fish are sold out, however there will be a limited number of walk-up tickets available…