Fishing the Ohio River is an adventure that combines scenic views, rich history, and excellent angling. The river spans nearly 1,000 miles across multiple states, offering diverse species and habitats. From tailraces below dams to secluded islands, here’s a detailed guide to the top five fishing spots in 2026, with tips on what to catch, how to catch it, and the best times to go.
🔗 Website: Alley Cat Oyster Bar
Alley Cat sits right along the Cuyahoga River, and honestly, the view alone sets the tone. On warm days, the outdoor patio feels like a slice of East Coast seafood culture transported to Cleveland.
What makes their lobster roll special:
They use real Maine lobster, delivered fresh and not frozen into chewy oblivion.
The meat is lightly dressed — just enough mayonnaise or warm butter depending on the version you choose.
The bun is buttery, golden-brown, and toasted just enough to give a crisp edge without overwhelming the lobster.
They add small touches like a subtle herb finish or micro-greens that lift the flavor without taking attention away from the lobster.
What it tastes like:
Imagine sweet, delicate claw meat that melts the moment you bite into it, with a charred-butter aroma from the toasted roll. It’s the kind of lobster roll you eat slowly, almost on purpose.
Ideal for:
Date nights, summer evenings, or whenever you want a “mini vacation meal” without leaving Ohio.
2. Cousins Maine Lobster — Columbus (Food Truck)
🔗 Menu & Schedule: Cousins Maine Lobster Columbus
Cousins Maine Lobster built their reputation on simple, high-quality rolls, and the Columbus food truck stays true to that formula. They don’t overcomplicate things — they let the lobster shine.
Two styles to choose from:
Maine Roll: Chilled lobster mixed with a light mayo dressing.
Connecticut Roll: Warm lobster tossed in drawn butter — the more indulgent, “I deserve this today” option.
Why people love it:
The portions are solid, especially for a food truck.
They use straight-from-Maine, knuckle-and-claw meat — the tender stuff.
They keep everything classic and traditional, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
What to know before you go:
The truck moves around Columbus (breweries, festivals, weekend events), so checking their schedule is a must. Lines can get long on sunny days, but they move quickly.
Who this is for:
Anyone who wants a no-nonsense, authentic New England lobster roll experience in Ohio.
3. COLO Market & Oyster Bar — Columbus
COLO Market is one of those hidden gems inside Columbus’s North Market where you can tell, just by looking at the seafood on ice, that the place takes freshness seriously. Their lobster roll is consistently mentioned by locals as one of the best in the region.
What stands out:
They serve a hefty portion of lobster with very minimal filler.
You can order your roll chilled (Maine-style) or warm (Connecticut-style).
The bun is perfectly toasted, not soggy, not dry — it holds the meat without falling apart.
The flavor profile:
It’s rich but not heavy. The lobster has a faint natural sweetness, and the butter they use has a clean, almost silky finish. If you love a roll that feels fresh and bright rather than overly creamy, this is the spot.
Atmosphere:
Because it’s inside North Market, it has that bustling, foodie-market energy — people walking by with pastries, coffee, tacos, you name it. It’s casual, lively, and perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
Perfect for:
Lunch breaks, weekend market trips, or seafood lovers who want quality without the fine-dining setting.
4. The Walrus — Downtown Columbus / Powell
Tailrace fishing below Willow Island Dam is highly effective for big catfish, stripers, and sauger because of oxygen-rich water and constant flow.
Blue & flathead catfish: Trophy-sized fish are common.
Sauger & walleye: Found along edges near current breaks.
Crappie: In backwater areas nearby.
Fishing tips:
Use heavy tackle for catfish: 50-60 lb braided line with a strong rod.
Sauger/walleye: drift live minnows or jig along edges.
Crappie: small jigs or live minnows near submerged trees.
Access:
Shore anglers can fish from public points near the dam.
Boat anglers need caution — currents are strong near tailrace.
5. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge spans 362 miles and includes islands with public access for bank fishing. It’s less pressured than urban spots, offering more natural fishing conditions.
Bass, catfish, sauger, and crappie.
Seasonal migration patterns make spring and fall excellent for bass and walleye.
Access & rules:
Shore fishing allowed during refuge hours.
Check specific island regulations — some islands restrict certain fishing methods.
Tips:
Use polarized glasses to spot fish near the shore.
Fish around submerged logs and shoals for bass.
Night fishing is best for catfish.
6. Gallipolis Locks & Dam (Ohio, near Gallipolis)
The area below Gallipolis Dam offers excellent tailrace fishing with lots of structure, ideal for striped bass and sauger. The current creates a feeding zone for predator fish.
Hybrid striped bass & white bass: Active in spring and fall.
Catfish (blue and flathead): Large holes and deep bends attract trophy catfish.
Walleye: Found near rocky points and dam edges.
Best techniques:
Use topwater lures early morning or late evening for bass.
For catfish, drift live bait or use bottom rigs with cut shad.
Walleye respond well to jigging along the edges.
Access & amenities:
Public boat ramps on the Ohio side.
Shore fishing is possible near parking areas.
- Tip: Check water releases from the dam; fishing is best during steady flows
7. Belleville Lock & Dam Area (Illinois / Kentucky border)
This stretch is less crowded but highly productive. Timber, shoals, and backwaters provide excellent habitat for multiple species.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass: Near submerged timber and rocky banks.
Striped bass & hybrid bass: Found in current breaks and around docks.
Channel and flathead catfish: Deep holes and backwater areas.
Fishing tips:
Use spinnerbaits or soft plastics around brush piles for bass.
Stripers: trolling deep-diving lures near structure.
Catfish: heavy rigs with stink bait or live bait at night.
Access:
Multiple public boat ramps, parking areas, and accessible shoreline.
Check for private property boundaries near islands.
8. Madison, Indiana / Louisville, Kentucky Section (Mid-Ohio River)
This urban-to-suburban stretch offers piers, bridge pilings, and bank access for anglers who want variety and easy access.
Blue catfish: Some of the largest in the river are caught here.
Striped & hybrid bass: Active in current channels and around bridge structures.
Crappie: Near piers and submerged trees.
Techniques:
Catfish: night fishing with cut bait or live shad.
Stripers: cast jigs or crankbaits near current breaks.
Crappie: use small jigs or minnows around submerged brush.
Access:
Parks along the river in Madison and Louisville provide ramps and shore access.
Urban fishing also offers conveniences like restaurants and parking.
9. Hannibal Pool (Ohio / West Virginia border)
This quiet pool has deep holes, rocky ledges, and abundant timber. Less crowded, it’s ideal for anglers seeking trophy fish in a scenic setting.
Bass: Both smallmouth and largemouth thrive here.
Catfish: Blue and flathead in deep holes.
Sauger & walleye: Near dam tailraces and rocky banks.
Techniques:
Bass: crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastics near cover.
Catfish: drift live bait or set bottom rigs.
Walleye & sauger: jig with minnows near drop-offs.
Access & amenities:
Boat ramps and public access points are available on both sides.
Shore anglers can fish near backwater channels for bass.
10. Bellefonte Islands / Backwaters (Kentucky side)
These islands and backwaters create a refuge for fish, especially in hot summer months. Calm waters allow anglers to target species without strong current interference.
Bass: Islands have shallow shoals for feeding.
Catfish: Deeper pockets along banks.
Crappie and sunfish: Backwater areas are ideal for smaller panfish.
Fishing tips:
Use soft plastics, small crankbaits, or live bait for bass.
Catfish: fish early morning or at night with cut bait.
Panfish: minnows or small jigs in shallow water.
Access:
Small boat or kayak is ideal to reach secluded spots.
Limited shoreline access in some areas; check public access maps.
Final Thoughts
Fishing the Ohio River in 2026 offers an incredible mix of adventure, accessibility, and species variety. From tailraces below major dams to serene backwater islands, there are options for every type of angler — whether you prefer bank fishing, kayak trips, or full-day boat excursions.
Remember: preparation and local knowledge are key. Knowing where to fish, what bait to use, and the seasonal patterns of your target species will dramatically improve your catch rate. Always follow local regulations, practice safety around strong currents and dams, and respect wildlife habitats to ensure the river remains a prime fishing destination for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the best months to fish the Ohio River?
Spring and fall are ideal for most species like bass, sauger, and striped bass. Catfish can be caught year-round, with peak activity at night in summer.
2. Do I need a fishing license to fish the Ohio River?
Yes, all anglers must have a valid state fishing license for the state they are fishing in. Some areas may have additional rules for dams, islands, or refuge areas.
3. What types of fish are most common in the Ohio River?
Common species include catfish (blue, channel, flathead), bass (smallmouth, largemouth), striped bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, sauger, crappie, and sunfish.
4. Are there safety precautions I should take?
Yes. Always wear a personal flotation device near dams and tailraces, check weather conditions, and be aware of river currents. Night fishing requires extra caution and proper lighting.
5. Can I fish from the shoreline, or do I need a boat?
Both options are viable. Some spots, especially tailraces and urban piers, have easy shore access, while islands, backwaters, and deep holes are best reached by boat or kayak.
