Smallmouth Bass

The Ohio River near Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, is surprisingly decent smallmouth bass territory. While not as abundant as largemouth, the rocky shorelines and current breaks of the Ohio provide good habitat for these hard-fighting fish. Focus your efforts around bridge pilings, rocky points, and areas where the current creates eddies and seams. In addition, the mouths of the creeks that feed into the Ohio can hold smallmouth. Fall and spring are prime times to target smallmouth, as they become more active with the cooler water temperatures. Summer fishing can be productive in the early morning or late evening. A local tactic is to use tubes or small crankbaits in crayfish patterns, as crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth in this river system. Be aware of the river's fluctuating water levels, as heavy rains upstream can significantly impact fishing conditions. Boating access is available, but be cautious of strong currents and submerged hazards. Check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information on water conditions and fish activity.