Bass Fishing the OH River?

[twise7]

Was wondering if anyone has been bass fishing the OH River lately? I know the water color is quite stained, but do any of you go out this early in Spring when the water is this stained? Are the feeder creeks/rivers clearer than the river? Usually I don't get on the river until May/early June depending on the amount of rain that comes through.

What are your thoughts?

[ronzo]

I like to fish the river all year long. There can be some good fishing in creeks off of the river this time of the year just keep the current in mind. Last February I sat on one current break and caught four spots from three to three and a half pounds a piece. The water was heavy stained and 42 degrees. Muddy water can make it tough but it does in lakes too. Some creeks are better than others. Fishin the river can be tough but fun.

[SteveM4A1]

If I were you I would stick to the feeder creeks. The only reason I would fish the river is if I needed one last limit fish for a tournament. This time of year (granted it is a bit cold right now) offers some of the best creek fishing of the year for those bigger largemouths. If it's muddy, try to find that stained water. Usually only certain sections of a creek will be muddy at the same time, unless there has been a ton of rainfall.

[DavidPT40]

The Ohio River doesn't have a large population of largemouth bass due to lack of suitable spawning habitat. Different fisheries groups have tried various methods to improve this (bass buckets for example), but with mixed results. So like the others have said, stick to tributaries and such for best results.

[toomanycasts]

I disagree I think the river and tributaries have plenty of fish and it can be very rewarding. You have to approach it differently. Like the other poster said" keep current in mind". And don't think u can't catch quality on the main. Lots of big spots out there this time of year

[ronzo]

I also think the river has a fairly good bass population. You may have to work a little harder to pull out a good sack of fish but when you do you earned it. It makes me feel good when I pull off a good day on the river. Now when I talk about fishin the river I may not be referring to the main river I also mean it tributaries. I don't do a lot of main river fishin until the hot weather hits. Most of my "river" fishin is done in the creeks.

[MrChickyBaBa]

I myself do not fish the main river for the most part until the end of May. There may be a few spots I will hit that hold smallies or spots this time of year but most of your largemouths are going to be in the creeks. River fishing can be easy this time of year if the water levels stay normal and not much flooding happens. Once June hits most of your good fish will start moving back out into the main river. So definately key on the creeks this time of year, but not all creeks are created equal.