Southeast Ohio Fishing Report – October 12th, 2012

Hocking River (Athens and Hocking County)

The stretch of river by White’s Mill in the Athens area is always a popular and usually successful spot for local anglers. Try casting Rebel craws or other artificial soft craws in the deeper pools of the river for smallmouth bass. The old train station in Nelsonville, Falls Mill, and Kachelmacher Park in Logan are all popular spots for smallie anglers. Concentrate your fishing in high velocity current, where woody structure is present in more than 20 inches of water. Float shallow diving minnow imitation lures, or use white and chartreuse Twister Tails on eighth- to quarter-ounce jigs.

Scioto River (Scioto County)

Hot spots for flathead catfish are the twin bridges and the mouth of the Scioto going into the Ohio River. Using live skipjack and gizzard shad fished off the bottom has been popular with anglers in the past. For channel catfish, try nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or cut bait to reel in a decent-sized fish.

Monroe Lake (Monroe County)

At 39 acres, this lake north of Woodsfield might be considered small compared to other lakes in the area, but that doesn’t mean the fishing opportunities are any less. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger largemouth bass to start moving back into shallow water areas, and fishing success should start to pick up as bass prepare for winter. Try using traditional soft plastic baits and crankbaits, or try nightcrawlers and plastic worms rigged Texas-style. Fish for bluegills using wax worms suspended under a bobber at three to four feet. Channel catfish can also be caught in this lake with chicken livers, nightcrawlers, or prepared catfish baits usually producing nice results. There is a 10-horsepower limit for outboard motors.