October 23, 2014

Clermont County – Fishing for striped bass and catfish is hot right now, although the river is a little high and muddy. Fish above or below the Meldahl Dam using chicken liver or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Greenup Dam (Scioto County) – Smallmouth bass: While not a traditional target fish in this area, they

Western Basin Walleye Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from northwest of North Bass Island and north of Kelleys Island. How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers, or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or

Grand Lake St. Marys (Mercer County) – For channel catfish, use chicken livers and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom for best results. Crappies: It is a little early but shoreline cover offers the best locations to catch them. Use minnows beneath a bobber fished at depths of 3-6 feet. Bluegills: Use red worms and waxworms.

Scioto River (Scioto County) – Flathead catfish: Hot spots are generally the twin bridges and the mouth of the Scioto going into the Ohio River. Try fishing gizzard shad or live skipjack on the bottom. Hybrid striped bass: Target the lower Scioto River from the confluence of the Ohio River to Rushtown using 3-5 inch

Leesville Lake (1,011 acres; Carroll County) – Boats are allowed with a maximum of 10 horsepower. Muskellunge: Muskies are being caught nearshore in 1-5 feet of water in the evening or early morning. Concentrate off the ends of main lake points instead of in coves. Fish that are in shallows are vulnerable to casting presentations.

Pleasant Hill Reservoir (781 acres; Richland-Ashland County line) – Good numbers of crappies from 9-10 inches can be found. Try fishing with minnows under a slip bobber in 8-12 feet of water near submerged trees. The lake also has excellent populations of largemouth bass, saugeye, and yellow perch. For saugeye, trolling a jointed 21⁄2-inch, 1⁄4-ounce