- Largemouth Bass. Largemouth Bass move into creeks and embayments to spawn in the early spring, around the time water temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Smallmouth Bass.
- Sauger & Walleye.
- White, Striped, & Hybrid Striped Bass.
- Channel, Flathead, & Blue Catfish.
Table of Contents
Where is the best place to fish in the Ohio River?
According to locals, the most bountiful spots to fish are the Cluster Islands, the mouths of the Muskingum River, Fishing Creek, Dam #21, the New Cumberland Dam, and the Byrd Dam. Almost all Ohio River favorites can be found in WV’s waters.
What is the best bait to use in the Ohio River?
In faster water (Ohio River tailwaters) use heavy spoons and jigs. In less current use imitation minnow baits and other crankbaits.
How do you catch fish in the Ohio River?
The best time to catch largemouth bass in the main river is June through the fall. When fishing the embayments in the spring try shallow running crank baits, plastic worms and spinner baits fished slowly. As the water warms, try fishing the creek mouths with jig and pigs, deep running crank baits and jigging spoons.
Can you eat fish from the Ohio River?
While you can eat fish from the Ohio River, the ORFA and Ohio EPA both recommend you don’t do it more than once a month for most species. The amount drops for children and women of child-bearing age. So, if you’re worried about pollutants in the fish caught from a contaminated river, you’re RIGHT.
Does the Ohio River have good fishing?
The West Virginia portion of the Ohio River includes most of its uppermost 300 miles, a bountiful stretch of water that is home to some of the river’s finest smallmouth bass fishing. Walleye, crappie, catfish and a variety of other game fish are also available throughout the river.
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.
Do you need a license to fish in the Ohio River?
A fishing license is required to take fish from Ohio waters. through an agreement or lease with the Ohio Division of Wildlife are required to have a fish- ing license. anyone on request. Licenses may be displayed using a mobile device.
Can I fish anywhere on the Ohio River?
An agreement between Indiana and Kentucky allows that each state will recognize the fishing license issued by the other state on the main stem of the Ohio River, excluding embayments and tributaries. This means anglers can fish the Ohio River bank to bank with a license issued by either state.
Are there sharks in the Ohio River?
yes, I said “shark!” If I remember right, in 2014-2015, a “Bull Shark” was spotted swimming in the Ohio River. Bull Sharks can live in both freshwater and saltwater and have been known to travel up rivers off the ocean. There is actually a “YouTube” video online of kids in a school bus spotting a shark in the Ohio.
What is the best time to fish a river?
Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
Are there muskie in the Ohio River?
Ohio muskies are commonly found in the southern and eastern portions of Ohio but have been found throughout major streams and lakes, for example Ohio Brush Creek, Muskingum River, Salt Creek and Wolf Creek.
How much is an 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.
Is the Ohio River polluted?
The Ohio River is also one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S., according to the U.S. EPA. Its banks are highly populated and industrialized, and it’s served as a dumping ground for local cities and industries for generations.
Is there mercury in the Ohio River?
Mercury-contaminated fish are common in waterways across the country, and the Ohio River is no exception. Species including angler favorites like hybrid striped bass have been found in the Ohio River with mercury above the level considered safe by the EPA.
How many fish can you eat out of the Ohio River?
For most Ohio fish, people can safely eat one serving every week ( or four servings per month.)
What state owns the Ohio River?
In 1792, the federal government determined that Kentucky owned the Ohio River along its border with Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. In essence, the boundary between Kentucky and these three future states would be the low point of the Ohio River’s northernmost bank.
Are sturgeon in the Ohio River?
Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) The lake sturgeon is native to the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio River, as well as in some of the larger inland rivers that feed into these water bodies. A large fish, this sturgeon measures 6-8 feet in length and usually weighs around 100 pounds (Trautman 1981).
What lives in the Ohio River?
Featured Species Forty seven species of native freshwater mussels live within the refuge waters on the Ohio River. This includes eight federally endangered mussel species: fanshell, pink mucket, sheepnose, northern riffleshell, purple cat’s paw pearlymussel, rayed bean, snuffbox and clubshell.
What is the most common fish in Ohio?
Ohio largemouth bass Largemouth bass are the most popular freshwater game fish in North America and Ohio offers good fishing for them. Farm ponds, reservoirs, rivers, and Lake Erie all have good populations of largemouth bass.
What is the largest catfish ever caught out of the Ohio River?
Catfish Fishing The largest catfish caught on the Ohio River weighed 106.9 pounds, caught by Glynn Grogan in 2018.
What is the biggest blue catfish caught in the Ohio River?
The fish was 50.7 inches long and weighed 67.22 pounds. The trophy catfish eclipsed the weight record of 61.28 pounds held by Cody Carver for only seven weeks and broke the length record of 50.15 inches held by Justin Goode since 2021.
How big do catfish get in the Ohio River?
In Ohio, adults typically reach 30-40 inches and 20-40 pounds, but can reach upwards of 60 inches. The largest recorded Ohio specimen weighed in at 96 pounds. Outside of Ohio, they are known to reach over 120 pounds and nearly six feet in length!
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 1 day fishing license in Ohio?
Ohio fishing license fees can change each year but for 2021, the rates are as follows: Residents: 1-Day Fishing License: $14.00. 1-Year Upgraded from a 1-Day Fishing License: $12.00.