Sandusky River, River system in north-central Ohio, United States.

The Sandusky River is a river in north-central Ohio that flows northward through several counties before reaching Sandusky Bay, which connects to Lake Erie. The river passes through farmland, wooded stretches, and small towns, with the banks varying from open and grassy to thickly wooded depending on the section.

The river's name comes from Wyandot words meaning cold water or water within pools, a name given by the people who lived along its banks for generations. In 2018, the removal of Ballville Dam opened up a long section of the river that had been blocked for decades, allowing fish to move freely again.

Every spring, local anglers gather along the banks for the walleye run, a seasonal tradition that shapes the rhythm of life in towns along the river. The banks fill with people fishing, camping, and watching the water during these weeks.

The river can be reached at many points along its course, with public banks and fishing spots available in most sections. Spring brings the most activity on and around the water, making it a good time to visit if you want to see the river at its most lively.

Researchers found the first known naturally breeding population of grass carp in the entire Great Lakes Basin here. These fish were originally introduced elsewhere to control aquatic plants, so finding them reproducing on their own in this river came as a real surprise to scientists.