On The River-Fall Hybrids

On The River
Fall Hybrids

By Ed Harp

One of the top sportfish in the Ohio River is the hybrid striper.
These fish do not occur or reproduce naturally. Nature does not offer
us such a fish. They come from scientist's laboratories.
Hybrid stripers are striped bass and white bass crossbreeds. The Ohio
Department of Natural Resources stocks them in the river. They grow
fast, fight hard, are voracious eaters and bite under just about any
conditions.
What more could an angler want? The upper pools of the river are full
of them. From the Point on through the New Cumberland Pool anglers can
take advantage of the action they offer. And fall is one of the best
times to fish for them.
As the river stabilizes and its water clears these predators will move
from their deepwater summer homes onto the flats to feed on the shad.
When this happens they become vulnerable to a wide variety of lures and
techniques.
A group of anglers work for them on top (Yes, hybrids will bite on
top). As September heads towards October, these fish congregate along
cuts, islands and in creek mouths. When they do so, they frequently feed
shallow.
Throw poppers, flukes, propbaits and walking sticks for exciting
topwater action. Don't worry about color. Action is what counts. No
matter what you throw, keep it moving -- always moving. Hybrids are not
black bass, they are temperate bass. They have no appreciation for
finesse or the finer things in life. They like it rough. Following are
tips
on what tactics to use in specific locations:
Emsworth Pool
Brunot Island (Mile 1.7): The head of the island is rocky and has
several steep drops. It will hold fish at times. This is a good place to
start. Neville & Davis Islands (Mile 5): There is some riprap and rock
in this area. The Emsworth Dam (Mile 6.2): There is some isolated rock
and riprap in the area just above the dam. Fish it.
Dashields Pool
The Old Lock and Dam #2 (Mile 9.2): This area is located on the north
side of Neville Island. This entire pool is loaded with shoals, shallow
"islands," and rocky or riprap areas. They all have the potential to
hold fish. They also have the potential for danger. Be careful.
Montgomery Pool
The Tailrace Waters Below The Dashiels Dam (Mile 13.4): These
waters, like all tailrace areas, hold fish. And like all tailrace waters
they should be fished with safety in mind.
The Little Sewickley Creek (North/Pennsylvania-Mile 13.5): This area, in
years past, enjoyed a fine reputation but is not so well respected
today. Still, it is worth a stop if you are in the area. Be careful. The
water is shallow and there are a number of underwater obstructions. The
Old Lock #4/Bear Trap Pier (West/Pennsylvania-Mile 18.5): This area has
a steep drop and will, upon
occasion, hold fish. The Beaver River (North/Pennsylvania-Mole 25.6):
This is a major tributary to the pool. It will generallyproduce a few
good fish. It is loaded with wood, rock and other forms of cover which,
when combined with existing structure, holds fish. Raccoon Run
(South/Pennsylvania-Mile 29.7): This is another sizeable tributary to
the pool. The Montgomery Locks and Dam (Mile 31.7): The area near the
upper end of the dam will hold fish.
New Cumberland Pool
The Tailrace Waters Below the Montgomery Dam (Mile 31.7): This area
holds fish for those who are willing to fight the current. Phillis
Island (Mile 35.4): This island is generally considered to be a hotspot.

Georgetown Island (Mile 37.8): Again, an area to consider. The Little
Beaver River (Ohio-Mile 39.5): The water is somewhat shallow in this
tributary but it has cover in the form of both rock and wood and is
generally considered prime fishing. Babbs Island (Mile 42): Fish the
back side, Ohio, for excellent action. Baker Island (Mile 49.3): Both
the head and tail of this island produce fish with regularity. Yellow
Creek (Ohio-Mile 50.4): This is one of the best tributaries on the pool.
It is replete with cover -- rock and wood -- and produces quality fish.
The Cluster Islands (Mile 52): This is an excellent spot. The New
Cumberland Locks and Dam (Mile 54.4): The shallow water areas in front
of this dam produce at times.
Give hybrids a try this fall. You'll be pleasantly surprised.