Ohio River
River · Indiana
Indiana's southern boundary — trophy catfish, sauger, hybrid stripers
The Ohio River forms Indiana's entire southern border for approximately 350 river miles, from the Wabash confluence in Posey County east to Switzerland County. Indiana shares the river with Kentucky — fishing licenses are reciprocal under the Ohio River Compact (an Indiana or Kentucky license is valid for the entire river width). The Ohio is arguably the best trophy catfish fishery in the Midwest, with blue catfish over 100 pounds caught annually. Flathead catfish over 60 pounds and channel catfish over 30 pounds are common. Sauger fishing in the lock-and-dam tailwaters during winter and early spring draws anglers from across the country. Hybrid striped bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and skipjack herring round out the fishery. Major access points: Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Tell City, New Albany, Jeffersonville, Madison, Vevay.
Access Points & Ramps
Public ramps, marinas, and shore-fishing access maintained by Indiana DNR, Army Corps, or local agencies.
Mt. Vernon Riverfront
Boat ramp, shore fishing
Mt. Vernon, IN
Newburgh Lock & Dam
Boat ramp, tailwater
Newburgh, IN
Sauger tailwater fishing
Cannelton Lock & Dam
Boat ramp, tailwater
Cannelton, IN
Tell City Riverfront
Shore fishing, ramp
Tell City, IN
New Albany Riverfront
Boat ramp, shore fishing
New Albany, IN
McAlpine Locks Tailwater
Shore fishing
Jeffersonville, IN
Premier sauger destination
Madison Riverfront
Boat ramp, shore fishing
Madison, IN
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 11 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Admirals Anchor
Jeffersonville, IN
★ 4.6Bass Pro Shops
Clarksville, IN
★ 4.5Bomgaars
Scottsburg, IN
★ 4.4Elk Creek Fish and Game Area
IN 47167, IN
★ 4.6Elk Creek Public Fishing Area
IN 47167, IN
★ 4.3Jeffersonville’s Fishermans Wharf
Jeffersonville, IN
★ 4.6Red Barn Bait & Guns
Salem, IN
★ 4.7SportsKings
Scottsburg, IN
★ 4.9Nearby Marinas
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Ohio River. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Ohio River
Book a guided trip near Ohio River. Browse verified fishing charters with instant availability on FishingBooker.
Regulations for Ohio River
Ohio River Compact: an Indiana or Kentucky fishing license is valid across the entire river width. Special slot limits apply to bass on Ohio River — confirm with current Indiana DNR regulations.
Other Lakes in Clark County
Plan Your Trip to Ohio River
- Weather forecast for Ohio River — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 38.2778°N, 85.7553°W — Get Directions
- Check the latest DNR fishing report for current conditions
- Review Indiana fishing regulations for season dates and limits
- An Indiana fishing license is required for ages 18+ — buy online at IN.gov
Data sourced from Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Last verified: April 26, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.