Fishing below locks??

[BurleyDog]

Hi Guys,
I don't know anything about fishing below locks and I was hoping for some tips.

I would love to catch hybrids or catfish but would also have a blast targeting drum or anything that will take a bait.
My fiance likes to go fishing with me but has a low attention span. So any action is great.

Baits, presentations, any tips appreciated!
Thanks!

[kyjake]

Goes from hot to cold.Bucktails and swimbaits is what I like to use but sometimes they will only eat bait.Was fishing below Greenup Dam this spring,they were fishing with shad and bring in a bunch of hybrids.I threw artificials until my arm was tired with no results,finally went to the shad and landed about 20 in about three hours.You also hook some good cats and drum on bait.Watch what others are doing to catch them.
Jake

[Lowerider]

Most importantly - BE SAFE. More people get in trouble fishing dams than anywhere else. If you anchor in fast moving water the worst thing you can do is get your rope caught in your prop when trying to retrieve it - you'll be sunk before you can blink.

Also know where the blow out holes are when they release water from a lock - every one of them will have a sign that says to stay back (usually 300 feet).

If your boat is prone to stall be careful getting close to current that acutally pulls you into the dam.

Dams are probably my favorite place to fish but there is a bigger learning curve than fishing anywhere else.

My wife likes to get out and fish with me every now and then too but the dam makes her too nervous so keep that in mind.

Other than that it's tough to beat heavy metal and soft platics. I like spoons and blade baits or heavy jig heads with assorted soft platics when I go the artificial route. Don't be afraid to fish verticle.

[gar]

1. Heed all signs

2. Don't drink and drive

3. By all means,pay attention

[fcfishman]

First couple times, follow someone else. Talk to people at the ramp and you will find someone who will lead you on the safe way in and out, show you underwater hazards, etc. I never recommend for anyone to go by themselves first without having been with someone else. McAlpine especially. You can get killed in a hurry.

[smljaw]

Most of the info sound like Ohio River info. I do a little bit of fishing below the KY River locks and they are not nearly as large and/or dangerous. The good fishing for hybrids, sauger, drum, etc. will start in the next few weeks. I really have good luck in late Oct. and November. Throw 3-5" grubs, hair jigs and jigging spoons. Grubs and jigs in bright colors tend to work best. The jigging spoon bite was lots of fun last year in November. Toss it out about 15' from you and free spool it to the bottom. Hop it 2-3' off the bottom back to the boat and hang on! I like the Strata spoon that BPShops makes. Silver or white in 1/2 oz.