Best River in Ohio? - Take the poll!

[pendog66]

What do you guys think is the best Catfishing river in Ohio. I've heard the most about the Scioto. But what about others like the Great Miami River, Maumee River, Muskingum, Ohio and many others.

[maddcatter]

I would say the muskingum because of the numbers and size of the flats that come from there. Good channels too.

[pendog66]

i really want to try the Muskingum every time im at the cabin i hear stories about people pulling out 40 pounders. And i cant believe i left Ohio river off the poll. d'oh! :conc-big:

[BigCatSteve]

havent fished any rivers north but should be able too this year,right nate

[pendog66]

thats right, first semi warm day im dragging you out there

[BigCatSteve]

you wont have to drag me since we are getting our toy

[pendog66]

thats right i wont have to drag you, i'll have to tow you ;) :p

[BigCatSteve]

with me and the boat you might not be able to drive your truck::::too much weight:::

[dinkbuster1]

Muskingum, hands down. too far for me too drive though:D

[pendog66]

Hey Dink maybe we all should take a trip there this year

[flatcatnightmare]

If the Ohio river would have been an option , I would have picked it for sure , the GMR is my second choice of rivers in Ohio , there is some awesome fishing holes in the GMR.

[jason454ci]

The muskingum. Luckily it's only about 1/2 a mile from me. :)

[pendog66]

we have some pretty good spots up here on the GMR. But i have never fished further south around Hamilton. I hope to make some trips down your way this year Flatcatnightmare

[MidOhioCat]

I have to say the Scioto since the Ohio isn't in the list and since this is the river I fish the most.

[dinkbuster1]

well one thing is for certain, looking at the poll tells ya where all the fishing pressure is at!

[tcba1987]

i dont see the MIGHTY Tuscarawas River on the poll either, whats up with that ??? :crying: LOL i only fish one river the Tusc so i guess thats my favorite !!! :)

[s_man]

Muskingum is my pick. most nights I'm the only boat on a given stretch. That can be 8 to 12 miles all to myself. Plenty of fish, I caught at least one flathead on all my trips but two. Still got some runs those two nights just didn't connect. You guys should make a trip over here, I know you'll have a blast. Best thing is any time you have a bait in the water you have a chance at a fish over 70 lbs. Every year one or two are reported. There just has to be a few over 100. I can feel it in my bones.

[pendog66]

sorry guys for leaving out some rivers. And Dink this poll does show where all of the fishing pressure is at

[Salmonid]

Id have to agree that the Muskingum with its slow, deep channel and relatively undisturbed surroundings make it the perfect river. Its big water and harbors some monsterous fish and with the lock/Dam systems offers even more great habitat for the big guys to roam around it.
Pendog, its definately "boat" water!

Salmonid

[pendog66]

Mark we need to go there with BigCatSteve this summer, i you know a good place to put in at

[Salmonid]

Yes sir, I m aware of two quality spots not too far south of Zanesville, also got Dillon Lake for a back up.
That whole ares is loaded with catfish spots, lots of options, It would be nice to have those kinds of options around when it comes to catfishing.
Let see, we have the GMR, or the GMR or if thats high and muddy, we have the ....GMR and the most common option, just stay home and work on the BOC for a while....:p

Salmonid

[jason454ci]

Yep it sure is great having the muskingum and dillon right here. Also the licking can produce some nice ones to. If you can't find a spot around here you didn't look very hard.

[s_man]

One of the first issues of the catfish-insider I read Doug Stange told of a trip he took on the muskingum "above zanesville" Where he had his 100lb mono snapped by a big flathead like it was kite string. I take that as a testimonial on the quality of the fishery.

If any of you out-a-towners needs locations for boat ramps, I can show you on a map,all of the public and a lot of the private ramps from coshocton to beverly.

[maddcatter]

I never realized the muskingum was ever in catfish insider. If it weren't for the crime rate, I'd be proud to be from Zanesville.

But, due to the crime rate, I now live in Heath. The only thing I miss about Z-ville is the fishing. Thank god I didn't move to far from it.

[BassMassey]

I would have to say the Muskingum, although I haven't fished all of these waterways personally

[jwfish]

I would have to say the scioto this month two week ago I pulled 4 channel 4 to 8 lbs and got a 22 lb flathead on a 4inch twister tail.The channels were caught on cut skipjack.I do like the ohio river when I can get the boat down there.

[flathunter]

We all know that the ohio probably offers the best fishing, but this is a good poll for inland rivers.

[Netmanjack]

I want to know who voted for the Kokosing River? Do you live in or around Knox County? Do you know something I don't ?:blink: lol If you have caught a big one, it only goes to show that there can be at least one big fish in every river system.

[loanwizard]

Jack, this year our favorite is going to be Wills Creek, I can feel it. PS I put a deck on the river boat so you won't trip over my 8 rods and rain pants and heater and carhartz and cooler and bait cooler and tackle box. Geez! I need a bigger boat. I know wehre the logjam is now too. About 2 miles up from where we fished in the fall.

[Netmanjack]

Oh great, now I WILL fall out of the boat when you hit a stump or a rock!:frk-big: lol

[s_man]

Do you guys fish above the dam on wills creek or below the dam before it goes into the muskingum?

[misfit]

If it weren't for the crime rate, I'd be proud to be from Zanesville.guess it ain't changed for the better sincei moved away 45 years ago;)
madatter,one of my sons lives in heath also.
i cut my cat teeth on the muskingum,and it is a top cat river,and would be my #1 pick.dillon and the licking below are great also.i miss spending the time on those waters.gotta get over there again,before long.

[flathunter]

Rick, glad to see you on here!

[THE CATKING]

It wasn't listed , but the Ohio River is by far the best cattin river in Ohio. And it's really not close.... You can expect great flatheads, blues, and channels......as far as the ones listed, I voted for the Scioto , but I fish the little miami the most.....THE CATKING !!! :)

[loanwizard]

Sman, both above and below. I'd like to get with someone who's got a 12-14 footer with a 5 hp to put in below cause below has many good spots but almost no access except at the spillway. Above is 22 miles of catfish bliss.

OOPS! Actually, the fishing stinks at Wills Creek!:)

[misfit]

good to be here,jack.the sight looks different than i remember.i was on quite awhile back,but when my puter went down a year or so ago,i lost all my favorites.but after you mentioned the link,i decided to register again:)
btw,i agree with the ohio being great overall,but since the poll didn't list it,i had to vote for the next best thing ;)
i've fished some of the others,but growing up on the musk,and fishing it over the years since,i think it's still awesome:)

[s_man]

Shawn I didn't know there was a ramp below the dam. If there is I like to find it. Have always thought of going up stream from the park ramp but it looked too shallow even for my small boat. I thought I needed a johnboat or canoe to go upstream. Is it navigable?

[loanwizard]

Shawn I didn't know there was a ramp below the dam. If there is I like to find it. Have always thought of going up stream from the park ramp but it looked too shallow even for my small boat. I thought I needed a johnboat or canoe to go upstream. Is it navigable?


There is no ramp below the dam, that's why I need someone with a 12-14 footer we can take over the bank attach motor and go. I can get to it via the muskingum only it feeds on the Columbus side of the Conesville stacks and I've yet to make the journey and I hear it is not navicable all the way to the dam.

Upstream of the dam is pretty shallow but there is a way through it and once you are approx 200 yards upstrem it deepens up.

[THE CATKING]

Yes it is good seeing misfit on the boards..... :) THE CATKING !!!:)

[wolfman]

I ranked the GMR 1st, but I would bet the Muskingum is just as good.

[Creek_Chub]

Unfortunately I haven't fished all of the rivers listed but I still find it hard to believe any of them out fish the Ohio. Maybe I need to start the research!

[hundt]

i really like to fish both the scioto and the darby creek areas and i may add deer creek to the list but i think there may be some giant cats in the scioto just waiting for the right day to do battle

[Bigones]

I haven't fished all the rivers on the list but I think GMR is # 1 if you know where to fish on it. There are some holes that are absolutely ate up with big fish.

[1 at a time]

depends, anyone is going to say the river they have caught the most fish in, or the one that they fish

[Netmanjack]

I want to know who voted for the Kokosing River? Do you live in or around Knox County? Do you know something I don't ?:blink: lol If you have caught a big one, it only goes to show that there can be at least one big fish in every river system.

I'm still waiting, you cant hide forever, lol :p

[jason454ci]

I used to fish the kokosing when I lived in Mt. Vernon. But it sure wasn't me that voted for it. lol

[FishMan]

I find it very strange that you don't consider the Ohio

[Chub945]

I like the little miami river. its great for dinner sixed cats. plus its close to me here in springfield. So catch a bunch and save me a couple.

[Froggiestyle]

Is there a reason why the Ohio River didn't make the poll???

Iv'e seen 60lbs plus of flats and blues pulled out of there.


frOg

[jason454ci]

The way I read the name of the thread was "Best river in Ohio". The Ohio river is not in Ohio. Nor is it really considered Ohio water. If you are in the river you go by other states laws. That would be my guess as to why it isn't on the poll.

[loanwizard]

i really want to try the Muskingum every time im at the cabin i hear stories about people pulling out 40 pounders. And i cant believe i left Ohio river off the poll. d'oh! :conc-big:


That's why it is off the poll, he forgot it! Read the beginning of the post guys! Oh, I brought it to you LOL!:)

[HRCats]

i know the hocking isn't known for its cats but there have been quite a few 40lbers pulled out of whites mill right there in athens and the closer you get to the ohio the deeper it runs so there has to be some good fish down that way.

[RamRod]

Hopefully you Ohio guys are coming to our gathering at Salt Fork lake on May 5,6,7. Here's the link about it, we'd love to have you all there!!!

http://www.catfish1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6562

Please post on that thread if you can make it, we'd like to have a great turnout!

[BassMassey]

I am glad the Ohio river was left off of the poll, obviously the Ohio would be the best river for catfishing in Ohio........but this poll gives us everyones opinion on the best mid-size rivers in the state........although i am not familiar with GMR or Scioto, i will have to say the Muskingum and Dillon dam on the Licking.............

[jim]

BE SERIOUS,How can there be any debate.The best river is whichever one MELLON was fishing when he caught that 15 lb Flathead.For him to catch a fish,much less one over 10lbs ranks right up there with the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION as a miracle.That river must be over run with nice fish starving to death.NO contest!!!;) :rolleyes: :)

[pescador]

the GMR is the best :) i love fishing that river :)

[freshwater mullet]

muskingum river stanks

[RiverKing]

i would have to say the Ohio River, the Ohio has given up State Records..I think it has potential for a World Record

[Boss Hogg]

I wanna know how the little miami gets 4 votes. I guess its alright really close to the ohio but I still wouldnt think it would get 4 votes.

[Salmonid]

Boss the Lower Little Miami has some pretty good catfishing in it, say from Loveland down to the mouth and if thats your local river, youd certainly bet on it. Arent you from Yellow Springs?? if I remember right, heck there aint no channels in the LMR until you get below Bellbrook/Spring Valley.

I am not suprised to see the GMR is the highest ranked and not neccesarily because it s the best river but because of the vast numbers of folks on this board who call it "home" , it is by far one of the heaviest hit rivers in the state because of the mass amounts of population it travels through.

Everytime out, Im amazed at the number of folks I see out fishing this river. Its no wonder the access is tough and catching can be even tougher.

Salmonid

[iam20fan]

i have had alot of luck on the stillwater very good spot is fenner road

[H2O Mellon]

I tell ya what, no river even the Ohio can compete w/ the Great Miami River so far this year. With how lousy the Ohio has been, maybe it will be UNREAL aftert he spawn & going into the fall.

[CaTcHmEaBiGcAt]

By far the Muskingum River is the best. Just this spring someone brought in a whopper about 50lbs from a pig 'n jig while out bass fishing. If its too far you guys can come stay at our river lot and can fish the whole river.

[bigcat_chaser]

In my humble opinion the Ohio has been great I have a few really nice spots in indiana just across the state line I have fished several of the rivers up north and they just dont compare except maybe the maumee in certain spots. Had my 25 lb test snapped three times last saturday night and it was new line so replacing with 60 lb test and heading out again,for my money the hawgs are in the Ohio just my .02 worth

[neocats]

I did not vote because the Tuscarawas River was not included. As far as channel catfish goes, this is the best river I have fished. I have caught a lot of eater size plus several in the 8-10 pound class.

[Catstalker07]

I like the Scioto and there are big fish there. I hope next year to fish the Muskingum River. I hunt by the river or go past it all the time. Heard about too many big fish there.

One bad thing about the Scioto are the guys taking flatheads out for pay ponds. Another thing is it is hard to boat. There is a lot of water that is 12" this time of the year.

[slimdaddy]

i know the hocking isn't known for its cats but there have been quite a few 40lbers pulled out of whites mill right there in athens and the closer you get to the ohio the deeper it runs so there has to be some good fish down that way.
yes there been some nice one come out of whites mill ive got the biggest so far 56 1/6 lb

[bigfish08]

GMR hands down,, if you know your stuff about big cats, there are plenty of monsters swimming the gmr, there is tons and tons of pressure but if you find a less obvious spot that dosnt have a path the size of a gravel road, you can really get into the big boys..

[catfishrollo]

yep, larry your right the gmr . esp. after all them nice fish you caught. i just voted for your river...i have never fished it, but if you drag some of the people your way maybe i can get a breathe!!! rolllo

[bigfish08]

most of my really good spots on the gmr, are not accesible from shore. and the average catfisherman would never think to fish them. in my opinion big flats act a little different when there is extreme pressure.. plenty of big boys, just have to have a few years fishing them on the gmr..

[Jammer]

yes there been some nice one come out of whites mill ive got the biggest so far 56 1/6 lb
I was wondering about the Kokosing, we were down that way about a month ago and it looks like a good river to fish.
How far up can you take a small boat from the Ohio, without taking it out?

[loanwizard]

I was wondering about the Kokosing, we were down that way about a month ago and it looks like a good river to fish.
How far up can you take a small boat from the Ohio, without taking it out?

As far as I know you can take a small boat from the Ohio up the Muskingum to just south of Dresden Ohio. There are locks with certain operating hours. The lock @ Ellis Dam south of Dresden is not operational nor is it slated for repair in the forseeable future. Once uptsream of that you can go til you hit 6 mile dam ( 6 miles from Coshocton, 6 miles from Warsaw) After that you are stopped by a big one (Mohawk dam)

[catfishrollo]

im chimming in honestly....the muskingum is by far the best river. look how many miles it stretches, the water, structure, and history. i believe the others are good rivers as well. But, if I was wanting to catch a true monster, the muskingum has my vote due to the pics.. and everything i have saw..rollo

[kittykat]

ohio, hands down to me

[riverfishinfool]

If anyone has not had a chance to fish the Great Miami Id recommend making a trip. After a good rain you can catch some nice flatheads.

[NKUSigEp]

I wonder if this poll isn't slightly biased - seems like the rivers closer to more populated areas are getting the most votes (more people with computers).

I know I voted for the GMR, basically b/c it's the only river besides the Ohio that I've fished. I do catch a lot of fish out of it, but I would LOVE to get the time to fish the Scioto and the Muskingum and all the others!

[fishsticks]

I would say the GMR mainly b/c its my local river... although i havnt' had much luck there this year...

[jason454ci]

I would have to say that it is biased. There are alot of technologically impaired folks that fish alot of these rivers. I'm sure that almost everyone voted for the river closest to them that they have fished. Take the muskingum for instance, all of us that have voted for it are mostly fishing the upper 20 miles of the river. The other 63 miles are probably better fishing grounds but there seems to be no one on here from those 63 miles. One pool of the river generally produces one or two 70lb fish a year. But we never see nothing on here about it. The people down that way are just a little behind the times. Or maybe they just find more time to fish because they are not sitting here talking to us. Hmmm. maybe I should go fishing. lol.

[iam2hi2flyinky]

why cant i pick the ohio? well gmr it is

[shovelheadslayer]

The great miami has produced a lot of nice shovels for me this year. I don't fish the ohio much but I am going to try and pull some big ones out of there this winter

[lebeaux]

Where was the current world record blue cat caught?

[Eudora]

Hey everybody:


I ahven't fished the Muskingum, but from everything I've herd, it's pretty tough to beat. From all accounts, it sounds like only the Ohio can compare with numbers and size of Flatheads. The Maumee is a good river to fish, I'vew caught several good sized flatheads there in the last few years. Woiuld hope a to be like.

[Eudora]

BTW Jason,
The world record blue cat was caught on the Missiissppi River near Alton Illinois.

[Dwednuts]

why cant i pick the ohio? well gmr it is
LMAO!!! Because, The Ohio River technecly isn't in OHIO, it is in Kentucky, LOL!!! Ohio just boarders it:ooooh:!!!!

[H2O Mellon]

Because, The Ohio River technecly isn't in OHIO, it is in Kentucky,

Hey now..... it's not the River's fault! :wink::smile2: I'm sure if we look hard enough we all can find something good that's came from Kentucky. :wink:

[dinkbuster1]

Hey now..... it's not the River's fault! :wink::smile2: I'm sure if we look hard enough we all can find something good that's came from Kentucky. :wink:

KY border bologna! :big_smile:

[H2O Mellon]

KY border bologna! :big_smile:

Fresh soft bread, KB, a big fresh beefstake tomato, some miracle whip and a big fresh green pepper! Now that's a lunch!

[O2Bfishing]

what a great post !!

[catfishcrazy256]

have only fisfed a little in the miami didnt do any good maybe just a bad day !

[slimdaddy]

i know the hocking isn't known for its cats but there have been quite a few 40lbers pulled out of whites mill right there in athens and the closer you get to the ohio the deeper it runs so there has to be some good fish down that way.
56 1/2 lbs out of whites mill several 20 lbers

[Moose1]

Hey now..... it's not the River's fault! :wink::smile2: I'm sure if we look hard enough we all can find something good that's came from Kentucky. :wink:


OH YEA KENTUCY MOON SHINE OOOOOO SO GOOD.:tounge_out::ooooh::ooooh:

[Mizzbigcat]

Due to my location, and super busy life as a working mom with three kids, the only Ohio river I've fished is the Little Miami, and the only reason I do that is so me and the kids can get in the water on those steamy Ohio Summer days.

:smile2:

Jeff and I plan to get down to the Ohio River this summer in his boat.

I'll make a fisherman out of him yet!

[hunted]

well since i don't get out to fish any rivers,i would choose not to vote.but,seems like most people have caught a shovelhead or two out of most of them listed.

[fishmonster13]

wheres the ohio river on that list.:big_smile::big_smile:

[Colsrob]

wheres the ohio river on that list.:big_smile::big_smile:

Man, you sure went digging.:smile2:

[fishmonster13]

Man, you sure went digging.:smile2:
well what do you expect when you leave out the biggest and the best:big_smile::big_smile::smile2::smile2:

[Ben Noll]

I choose the Muskingum mainly because thats only river I have fished for flatheads.We didn't have a banner year but we put over 40 in the boat with largest at 44-10,42-2 and five over 30.I am going to hit the Ohio.

[Flootie16]

wow this thread is like three years old! havent u guys made up ur mind yet!!!!!!:smile2:

[Colsrob]

wow this thread is like three years old! havent u guys made up ur mind yet!!!!!!:smile2:

You can thank Matt for this. He must have been bored.:big_smile:

He is right though, the best one wasn't even listed as a choice. Although the OP did comment on the oversight.

[hawgmaster]

i voted the muskingum since the ohio wasnt on there. although i cant say from personal experience since i have never fished it b4. just from what i have learned from pple that do. ive heard that a boat is better to use. any one wanna take me out next season lol??