Ohio River - Cincinnati

[J]

I'm relatively new to the Cincinnati area and am looking for info on the sauger / walleye bite on the Ohio river near Cincinnatti (guess it would be the Medahl pool). Appreciate any information on what's being caught, where, how, etc.

My boats still ready to hit the water if anyone w/ experience fishing the river wants to head out - being relatively new to area, I'm always looking for someone who knows the area to fish with.

I'm used to fishing the Mississippi river at Prarie du Chien and Belleville (moved here from NE Iowa) - I suppose the Ohio can't be too different. Been mainly fishing the Maumee (wading) and Lake Erie since I've been in Ohio. Would be nice to find some decent fishing closer to home.

[fish-a-lot]

J, I've been fishig the ohio 25 years. Best spot is directly below Meldahl Dam (Markland Pool} Vertical jig Hopkins spoons. Years ago 200 fish days were common, lucky to limit out these days. Mostly 1-2 pound sauger with a few larger walleye. spoons also produce an occasional huge flathead, my largest is 60 lbs. Excellent fishing can be had off the bank from the Ky. side. Use 1/8 oz jigs at night 50' downstream from the dam

[J]

Thanks for the info.

Whens the peak time of year for Sauger / Walleye beneath the dam - is anything happening now?

Isn't there a nuclear plant near there too - I'd think the discharge would be a good winter spot.

[fish-a-lot]

Fishing peaks mid to late November and mid March. Fishing is good now as long as water level is 18' or less at Meldahl. I landed 14 sauger and 1 walleye Sunday. Call 1-937-383-0527 for river stage info. Two hot water discharge areas are Zimmer Power Plant in Moscow, OH and Beckjord Power plant at New Richmond, OH. Good Striper & Hybrids at Beckjord, but few sauger.
At the dam the best spot is just inside the lock wall on the Ohio side, however lockmaster has been running out the boats due to terriorism concerns. An alternate spot is on the Ky side straight across from the end of the lock wall. In spring, trolling the large sand bar below the dam is a good method. The Ohio River is truly an underrated fishery, especially if you enjoy multi-species angling. I've caught 13 different species in a single day.
If your looking for larger 'eyes, Try the Great Miami River, Saugeye run up to 9 lbs.

[bobberal]

J,

Send me a e-mail some time. I live in Minnesota and work for a company in Cincinnati. I spend about a week there every 6 weeks and would like to try that area out.

By the way, I fish alot and I could trade a trip sometime on Lake of the Woods or Leech.

Al

bobberal@hotmail.com

[J]

Thanks - appreciate the info - see you on the water