Southwest Ohio Fishing Report – July 6th, 2012

Acton Lake (Preble County)

Channel catfish are biting on chicken livers fished along the bottom. Fishing for channel catfish is productive anywhere in the lake. Saugeyes on the Butler County side of the lake are being caught by anglers using minnows or artificial bait. Keep the bait between 10 and 12 feet deep for the best results.  Crappies are hitting on minnows fished six to eight feet under a bobber. Keep the bait near downed trees and brush.

Whitewater River and Lake (Hamilton County)

Anglers are catching bass and bluegills in the lake. For bass try jigging, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The bluegills are easy to catch there provided you rent a boat. Fish along the woods with wax worms, and a bobber. You can also try smaller in-line spinner baits. Good size catfish in the 10- pound range have been reported. Use goldfish, shiners and suckers. In spring and early summer, try the pool where the river meets U.S. 50. Anglers have caught saugers, white bass, channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass. They report good success when the water is a little higher than the normal and clear. Summer fishing is also good here if you fish early in the morning or at dusk. Try a jighead with a plain white grub. Spoons and Rat-L-Traps are also recommended.

Rocky Fork Lake (Highland County)

Good catches of saugeyes are coming from 6- to 15-foot depths near the island area at the east end of the lake. Cast jigs with plastic curly tails or jigs tipped with a nightcrawler. Troll shad pattern crankbaits over underwater humps or along shoreline points. Bluegills are being taken from two to four feet deep using redworms, wax worms, or small jigs. Anglers are catching crappies on live minnows or wax worms. Fishing is good throughout the lake but look for areas with woody debris or submerged trees and brush to be more productive. Fish the bait using a slip bobber keeping it greater than eight feet deep. Channel catfish are being caught by shore anglers using nightcrawlers, shrimp, and chicken livers. Fish the bait tightline along the bottom in 3- to 6-foot depths.

Sycamore State Park Youth Fishing Day (Montgomery County)

A youth fishing day is planned on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for anglers 15-years-old and younger. Bait and assistance from volunteers will be provided at no charge. Youth are encouraged to bring their fishing poles; however, poles will be available during this event. All young anglers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents cannot fish but may assist their young anglers. State park ponds will be stocked with catchable channel catfish and hybrid bluegills just prior to the youth-only fishing event and will be open daily.