Falls of the Ohio

[riverrat12]

I am new to the discussion boards so hello everyone. I am new to the area and have been experimenting in some of the public fishing holes but really want to tackle the Ohio. I will have to do this from the bank for awhile as I have no boat. I understand that two good places would be the Mcalpine Locks and **** and the Falls of the Ohio. I have read several posts discussing fishing these places and can check the water level at the McAlpine ****. What I don't know is the ideal water level for each place (one post stated 12 feet or under at the lower gates) but have no reference for the Falls of the Ohio. Is there a magic place to look and a number that I should have in my bag of tricks, or do I just keep driving by the park until the water level is at a certain point.

I have the web address for the McAlpine **** and a number to call but I don't know how deep is the best time to go. I posted the info below for anyone who does not have this yet.

(502) 775-5056.
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydro...lmk&gage=mlpk2

Welcome to the board. First off what are fishing for? I fish pretty much at every water level, it's just a matter of knowing where to fish down there. If you are wade fishing from the shore I prefer the lower gauge anywhere from12 to16 feet.As long as they are running water at the upper dam your good. I like fishing as close to the dam as I can get when posible.If the uppper dam is closed hang it up unless your drum and carp fishing. The best overall rig down there that catches everything is a grub and jig combo.The size will vary ,I prefer a 1/4 oz jig with a white or chart. grub.I use gold hooks because they bend easy. Did I mention snaggs.... bring plenty of jigs and don't get frustrated it happens.I tend to throw straight out or down stream keeping my rod tip high.Avoid throwing upstream.Minnow tipping is an option that works well. As far as getting to know the water levels if they are giving upper gauge predictions like today @13.9 the dams will be all out ,usually anything above around 12.7 at the upper gauge the dams will be all out.Once the upper gauge is at pool the lower gauge will be the one to watch along with the amount of discharge at each of the two dams.Most of the time they will run 4ft at the lower dam and the rest at the upper to increase pressure to the hydros,which are located next to the lower dam.Once you get to know what levels work best for you you will take alot of guess work out of the forcasted predictions.There is so much to learn about this place. I have fished it 40 of my 48 years and still am learning.Can't beat time on the water.Couple things....This is a very DANGEROUS place If wade fishing and they sound the sirens get out of the water until they have adjusted the water levels regardless of rise or fall.As mentioned the rocks are very slippery and being the largest sedimentary rock formation in the world there is no shortage of sharp rocks that will cut you. Welcome to one of the most unique fishing areas in the world imo. Be carefull and good luck I hope I've helped.Feel free to pm me and I'll give you my #...I talk alot faster than I type. Check out some of the fish I've caught down there on my profile under A FEW FISH, and A FEW MORE...Chuck