There are so many good inflows it's hard to highlight just a few, but we'll give it a try anyway. No matter these picks, however, don't pass over any that you might know about. They'll all produce from time to time and sometimes the lesser-known spots produce the best fishing.

At the lower downstream end of the state, anglers should consider fishing the mouth of the Big Sandy River. It's at mile 317 on the Ohio. This is near the Ohio state line, so be careful and make sure you're in West Virginia waters or that you're in compliance with the licensing agreement between the states. (You can get the details of that agreement from the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov)

Commercial traffic is heavy in this area. That said, don't let barge traffic discourage you from fishing. The fish quickly become conditioned to it and in most cases pay little attention to the passing barges, especially if they are on the feed.

While you're in the area, work up the Big Sandy about a quarter mile, maybe a little more, and give the old lock and dam No. 1 a cast or two. The structure was removed as part of a renovation project and is now a mass of rubble below the water. It will attract hybrids from time to time and is worth some effort.

On upstream at mile marker 287.5 on the Ohio is the Little Guyandot River (also known as Guyan Creek). It's right on the Mason-Cabell county line. The main river navigation channel swings in near the mouth and is a super spot for big schools of hybrids in the spring. The bigger fish seem to follow the navigation channel in from the main river and stage at the steep drop in front of the smaller river mouth.

If the water is up a bit, you can try fishing into the Little Guyandot River's channel. Sometimes the fish will chase shad up into the shallow water for a feeding binge. Be careful if you do this, however. It's full of rock and debris and can be treacherous at times.

At mile marker 265.6, you'll find the mouth of the Kanawha River. When the fish are there, it's probably the best spot along the Ohio. The mouth of the Kanawha is big, wide and affords hybrids superb feeding opportunities. At times, they'll school in the area by the thousands. You can literally wear the paint off your lures under those conditions.

This is a very congested area with lots of moored barges. If you can do so safely, fish under these vessels. Throw your lure into the deep shade beneath them. After that, work it out into the sunlight. If there are a few hybrids around, they'll usually strike at the point where the sunlight meets the shade.

At times, hybrids will hold in the slack water behind the moored coal barges. This water is shallow, sometimes no more than a foot deep. Don't let that deter you, however. These are river fish. They know all about shallow-water structure and cover.

Exercise caution in this area. The current can be wicked and the barges can move unexpectedly. If you don't have experience with this type of boat fishing, go a few times with someone who does. It's a great opportunity to catch a lot of fish. It's also a great opportunity for a tragedy to occur for the inexperienced or careless.

The first few miles of the Kanawha can be great, at times, at least up to the first dam. Your first stop should be the old lock and dam No. 11, about 1.8 miles upstream from the Ohio. Like all the old locks and dams, it was destroyed as part of a major renovation project. The rubble and debris are now below the water level and will almost always hold fish, including hybrids.