Sauger Fishing on the Ohio River

[Bassky]

I fished last nite from 5 - 8 pm below Meldahl dam for sauger. Fishing was S L O W!!! There was 3 in the boat and only 4 sauger caught and 1 white bass. Only one keeper around 14". Fishing with silver buddies, spoons and jigs. No minnows. Has anyone been catching any sauger on the Big O? If so, early morning, mid day, or late afternoon, nite? What has been a good pattern, with minnows/without? I have been hearing mixed reports here and there. Some doing well, some not. I haven't been doing any good at all. Please give some feedback, I need some THERAPY bad!
Thanks,
Bassky

[JD7.62]

Ive only hit my saugar spots twice this seasona and so far...SKUNKED! I'm afraid last season has us spoiled.

[gar]

Like you Bassky, I have been to my favorite spots on two occasion's and have caught about four "cigars". I really believe we need some current to bring them in. What do all of you sauger fishermen think? I've been fishing Cannelton, have heard things are better at Newburg. I also need some therapy

[riverrat12]

We're getting a slight rise at Mcalpine the next couple days, headin down Fri. will let you know...Chuck

[jfw]

The river is still so very clear I think this is a big factor

Did you guys hear about the car that was drove in the river at Harrison ave ramp.It had a person that was stabbed several times.They have already caught the guys responsible

[BASSKING]

The river is still so very clear I think this is a big factor

Did you guys hear about the car that was drove in the river at Harrison ave ramp.It had a person that was stabbed several times.They have already caught the guys responsible

yes, that is wild stuff there.


i beleive that last year when everyone was limiting out on sauger every day the water was higher, colder and stained. i think it has not got cold enough yet. last saturday when the man jumped off the second street bridge the COE said the water temp was 51 degrees. we need some good flow from up north and slightly stained water might help a little. does anyone know why the river is so clear??

[BASSKING]

im going tomorrow before we eat dinner, ill report if has gotten any better

[riverrat12]

yes, that is wild stuff there.


i beleive that last year when everyone was limiting out on sauger every day the water was higher, colder and stained. i think it has not got cold enough yet. last saturday when the man jumped off the second street bridge the COE said the water temp was 51 degrees. we need some good flow from up north and slightly stained water might help a little. does anyone know why the river is so clear??

I think there are a few factors involved here, the zebra mussel have done there share along with the fact the river also turns over the way lakes do . Also the amount of sugar correct me if I'm wrong left in the water after a significant leaf fall makes a big difference in the chemical makeup in the water. similar to the effect salt has in the river to the first snow fall. After a few years on the river I have noticed a change in fish behavior after each of these events. What are your alls experiences??? Chuck

[BASSKING]

well it was slow this morning as well. 2 white bass and 2 drum. the water is on the rise which i have heard from some that rising water can be good for fishing below the dam.

Chuck, i believe those are key factors but what i have noticed most is the movement of the fish. the first year i fished for sauger and the whites and hybrids i fished from colgate creek up to the point across from the duck pond and we slayed them for two months and again in the spring.
the second year we were under the museum in the horse shoe and again we slayed them for a few months. this spot was good to me for two years straight.
last year we fished under the upper dam and i only had a few good weeks of fishing there that were cosecitive.
this year we had good luck in the spring for sauger and the hybrids from march almost to the first week of may fishing under the museum.
what i noticed that was different this year than the last three is the fish were more scattered than in the past. i know the sauger ru up there to spawn. i have been looking at the ammount of rainfall we have had in the fall over the last couple of years and it has decreased every year. this spring and fall the rainfall has been extremely low and this may have affected the eggs and hatchlings of the sauger from the last run which was nov of 2007 to april of 2008. what sauger i have seen this year are small males which may just mean the big females and the rest are in satging areas in deeper parts of the river. the rainfall amounts may not be affecting it like i think. if we give it a little more time and get some of that cold pittsburg rain and snow flowing down the river they should turn on.

Chuck, if any one has an empty seat for tomorrow let me know . love to tag along.

[Boat Bums]

Hey Big Cats vd got him back down I have 2 extra seats.

[riverrat12]

Still not sure my boat situation, depending on what time the women get back from black Fri. if my brother inlaw is coming??? I'm going tohead out with or without him around 12ish.Bassking it looks like there are seats available, Mike what time you coming down??? I would put in at the ampitheater , to much water at the lower dam .Chuck

[Boat Bums]

You had said 1pm you have my number like I said i have room for 2 in 18' lund. 12pm is fine by just call me when and were because i have not heard from anybody but you.