Depending on the physical layout of a rock bar, in certain cases there will be a section of slower water located above it as well.

Another common scenario is found at the mouth of larger feeder waters, ones that can be navigated a ways from the main river. Typically, such spots have reduced current. A delta often forms at these spots. Walleyes hang off the edge of the delta during the day, and then move up on the shallows toward dark.

“City structure,” such as pilings, barge tie-offs and bridge piers, can also provide the current breaks needed to hold winter walleyes. Add to the list warmwater industrial discharges. Warmwater discharges attract many species of fish during the winter, and are quite common on the Ohio. The plume of warm water often extends well downriver from the discharge. A surface temperature gauge on your boat can lead you to areas that have plenty of fish, and fewer fishermen. Islands and island complexes, too, should be investigated for walleye-holding spots on their downcurrent end.

According to Frank Jernejcic, fish manager for the DNR, the best walleye fishing on the Ohio occurs on the Pike Island and Hannibal pools. This includes the Pike Island and Hannibal tailrace areas. The tailrace area that feeds the Pike Island Pool is that formed by the New Cumberland Locks and Dam, located upriver of New Cumberland. These three tailraces, and the two pools located between them, provide the most consistent walleye (and sauger, too) fishing on West Virginia’s portion of the Ohio. Walleyes become less numerous as you venture downriver, though sauger numbers tend to remain relatively strong (within the limiting factors previously described).

Largely, tailwaters angling means shore-fishing, particularly during the winter months. An imaginary line running from the end of the lock chamber approach wall and the width of the river designates the standard restricted zone in which boats are not permitted. Though a modified restricted zone has been created by the Corps of Engineers, which allows boats closer to the dam, it is only in effect when buoys are in place to mark the area. This may not be the case during the winter months.

Shoreline access varies from spot to spot. In general, the better shoreline access is found on the shore of the river opposite the lock chamber. Hydroelectric plants have been incorporated into this end of the dam in some instances, in which shoreline access tends to be quite good.

The lock chamber of New Cumberland Dam is situated on the Ohio side of the river. Boat anglers should find a good current break immediately downriver of the lock mouth. Just be on the lookout for boat/barge traffic moving through. Water passing through the lockage can often trigger feeding sprees for walleyes and saugers, so be aware of this potential “inner bell.” Buffalo, Virginia Cross and Indian Cross creeks are among the larger tributaries to enter this pool, along with a good smattering of smaller feeder waters. A DNR boat ramp is located near New Cumberland.

The Pike Island Lock and Dam tailwaters area boasts excellent shore- fishing facilities. The lock chamber is found on the West Virginia side of the river. Several islands are located between the dam and Wheeling. Big Grove, Captina, Fish and Wheeling creeks are among the larger feeder waters. A public boat ramp is located in Wheeling.