Because the Ohio River is a border water — Ohio is right across from West Virginia — a license from either state is acceptable if you are fishing by boat.
Table of Contents
Can I fish the Ohio River in West Virginia?
Anglers with a valid Ohio resident or West Virginia resident fishing license may fish on the Ohio River, its embayments or from either bank.
Where can I fish on the Ohio River?
Central Region. Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth hosts two well-stocked lakes providing good catches of largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and trout. Fish the Ohio River alongside and behind the locks at the Meldahl Dam for a good selection of bass, stripers, sauger, white bass and channel cats.
Can you fish on the Ohio River?
Sauger & Walleye The most productive times to fish for these fish in the Ohio River are during late fall, winter and early spring using a variety of simple techniques. The most popular method of taking walleye and sauger is by fishing 1/8- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with white or chartreuse twister tails near the bottom.
Do I need a WV fishing license to fish the Ohio River?
FISHING LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL AUTHORIZED LICENSE SALES AGENTS AND AT WILDOHIO.GOV. A fishing license is required to take fish from Ohio waters.
Do you need a license to fish in the Ohio River?
Fishing in the Ohio River requires an Indiana or Kentucky license. Fishing in Cane Run or other streams that feed into the river require an Indiana fishing license.
How many fishing poles can I use in WV?
fish with more than two (2) lines or poles in an impoundment stocked with trout by the DNR from January 1 – May 31. may be taken by bow year-round; other nongame fish may be taken by bow during all months of the year except May and June.
How many trout can u keep in WV?
Creel limit is four trout.
What is the best bait for the Ohio River?
In faster water (Ohio River tailwaters) use heavy spoons and jigs. In less current use imitation minnow baits and other crankbaits.
What’s the biggest fish in the Ohio River?
Massive 95-pound catfish ‘by far the largest’ trophy fish caught by these Kentucky men. Michael Robinson and Terry Raymer have made an annual tradition of catching massive fish on the Ohio River, but their latest snag is a personal best.
Can you commercial fish the Ohio River?
The majority of commercial anglers fishing in the legal waters of the Ohio River and its tributaries will be allowed one blue catfish โฅ35.0 in, one flathead catfish โฅ35.0 in, and one channel catfish โฅ28.0 in per day.
Has there ever been an alligator in the Ohio River?

Can you fish in the Ohio River with a Kentucky fishing license?
Pursuant to the reciprocal agreement incorporated by reference in this administrative regulation, Ohio and Kentucky shall recognize the sport fishing license and appropriate stamps of Ohio and Kentucky on the main stem and from the banks of the Ohio River where the Ohio River forms the state boundary, excluding …
Does a 65 year old need a fishing license in WV?
(d) In accordance with the provisions of section twenty-seven of this article, any resident sixty-five years of age or older is not required to have a license to hunt, trap or fish during the legal seasons in West Virginia, but in lieu of such license any such person shall at all times while hunting, trapping or …
What is the fine for fishing without a license in WV?
ยง20-2-2a. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisoned in the county jail for not less than ten days nor more than one hundred days or both fined and imprisoned.
How much is non resident fishing license in West Virginia?
Fishing licenses in West Virginia can range from about $3.00 for a Nonresident 1-Day fishing license to just over $800.00 for a Resident Lifetime Fish/Hunt/Trap license. Take a look below for all the resident and nonresident fishing licenses and prices.
Who is exempt from Ohio fishing license?
Under current law, Ohio residents who are at least 66 years old and born on or after January 1, 1938 pay one-half the regular price for hunting and fishing licenses and permits. Ohio residents who are at least 66 years old and born on or before December 31, 1937, are issued these licenses and permits free of charge.
How much is a Ohio fishing license?
Ohio’s resident fishing licenses are $25 and are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased up to 30 days prior to the expiration date. A fishing license is required to fish in Ohio public waters.
How many fishing poles are you allowed to fish with in Ohio?
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to engage in fishing with more than two hand lines or more than two units of rod and line or a combination of more than one hand line and one rod and line, either in hand or under control.
Is it illegal to use bluegill as bait in WV?
The only game fish that can be used as cut bait are bluegill, sunfish, and bream.
Is it legal to fish with treble hooks in WV?
Virginia prohibits treble hooks in several trout streams but are legal elsewhere. Washington only restricts treble hooks in areas that are designated as ‘fly fishing only’ or have ‘selective gear rules. ‘ West Virginia requires that treble hooks be barbless in catch and release waters.
Can you use minnows as bait in WV?
1, 2020, anglers on several popular West Virginia trout streams will no longer be allowed to use minnows as bait. In fact, they won’t be able to use any sort of fish as bait. The state’s Natural Resources Commission, a seven-member panel that sets hunting and fishing regulations, voted unanimously at its Aug.
Can you use goldfish as bait in WV?
It may be only slightly better to fish with dead goldfish. In fact, Florida, North Dakota and West Virginia only permit goldfish as bait if they are dead.
Can you night fish for trout in WV?
Night fishing is allowed, so you can practice your cast under the stars of Pocahontas County’s famous dark sky. Reminder: You’ll need a West Virginia license and trout stamp, along with a National Forest Stamp for some rivers. Where are you catching the next big one?
How many crappie can you keep in WV?
— The daily creel limit for black crappie and white crappie is 30 in aggregate and the possession limit for black crappie and white crappie is 60 in aggregate.