On upstream in the Kanawha, at mile marker 19.2, anglers will find another old lock and dam -- No. 10. It's located just upstream from the mouth of Eighteen Mile Creek. This whole area is a magnet for hybrids in the spring.

Fish around the old lock, but keep a watchful eye on the creek mouth. If the water looks like it's starting to boil, head over that way immediately. Hybrids, along with the occasional striper, frequently corral shad and go on a feeding binge.

You'll find the Winfield Dam at mile marker 31.1. The tailrace waters below the dam will occasionally produce big hybrids, sometimes up to 10 pounds. It's not a numbers location, however. If you fish here, you'll need to be satisfied with just a couple of fish a day.

Although there's a lock in the Winfield Dam that'll let you continue upstream, it's not recommended. Hybrid fishing can be tough above Winfield.

Back down along the Ohio there's another good spot upstream from the mouth of the Kanawha: Eight Mile Island. It's located at mile 258. The shallow waters and current at both the head and tail of this island attract early-season hybrids. At times, the slack-water areas behind the island will hold fish, especially on cool, sunny days.

Letart Island, at mile marker No. 235, is another productive spot. Fish the head of this island in and around the heavy rock and riprap.

The dike and slack-water areas around Blennerhassett Island, just below Parkersburg, will also hold fish when conditions are right. Fish here during periods of stable water elevations and when the water is reasonably clear.

From Blennerhassett on up, finding a spot to fish can be difficult. That's not because the fish aren't there. It's because there are so many of them. Concentrate your efforts around the numerous islands that populate the upper pools of the river. There are a ton of them and most hold fish.

The better ones will have a fair amount of rock at their head and tail areas, and will generate a swift current. If there's slack water on the back side, so much the better. Fish the current first. If that doesn't produce, move to the slack-water area and give it a try.

Next to the islands, some of the more reliable spots on the river are the tailraces below the dams. There are several of them and they all produce, so it's best to simply pick the one nearest you and fish it. This is your best opportunity for a striper.

The major drawback to fishing most of the tailrace waters is fishing pressure. It's not unusual to see several dozen anglers casting from shore and another dozen boats fishing the area. Nevertheless, when the fish are schooled up in such a small area, the action can be fantastic.

As spring turns toward summer, the hybrids tend to roam in larger schools. Look for birds feeding above them or for other surface activity. During hot weather, the tailrace waters below the dams are the most reliable fishing spots.

Fall patterns are just like spring. Fish the same spots.

No matter where you fish along the Ohio or the Kanawha, keep it simple when it comes to selecting baits and lures. One of the all-time favorites for catching hybrids is a simple in-line spinner, like a Mepps in almost any bright color. Select a size lure that's close to the shad in the area. After that, vary your depth and speed until you find what turns the fish on.

For you topwater fans, an old-fashioned Zara Spook should be your lure of choice. Color is of no consequence so long as the belly's white. Bring it back in a fast, hard walk-the-dog retrieve. Do not stop the lure. Hybrids aren't black bass. They aren't impressed with finesse and they don't hit on the fall.