Do it All on the Ohio River

By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
October 29, 2011

The Ohio River is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River. At the confluence of these two rivers, the Ohio River is actually larger than the Mississippi. Indians and pioneers were the first humans to travel this majestic waterway; however, today the mighty Ohio River offers outdoor enthusiasts many recreational opportunities.

A river such as the Ohio River not only offers boating, fishing and hunting opportunities, the Ohio River has a much diversified flora and plant life, as well. The Ohio River lies in a climatic transition area. The river runs close to both the humid subtropical and humid continental periphery and thus, has plant and animal life from both regions growing and living along its banks. This allows for many diversified outdoor activities. Whether you are into photography, fishing, hunting, camping or boating, there is something for just about everyone to do on or near the Ohio River. Perhaps the best part is that these opportunities are available at any time during the year.

Boating on the Ohio River is more popular than ever before. Water sports of every kind imaginable can be found taking place on the Ohio River all year around. The Ohio River freezes on a regular basis in the Pittsburgh area, and northward but this is not the case as it flows southward towards Cincinnati and Louisville, where it hardly ever freezes over. This allows for fishing year round, south of Pittsburgh. One of the oldest and most endearing means of travel on the Ohio River is by a paddle wheeler. These boats have been sailing the fresh waters of the Ohio and Mississippi for more than a hundred years. Step back into time and slow the pace of your everyday life; take a trip down the Ohio on the Delta Queen or the Belle of Louisville. The experience is like none other.

One of the most famous boat races in the North East takes place on the Ohio River every year along the banks Madison, Indiana. The Madison Regatta is a boat race for hydroplane boats. Madison has been hosting this race since the 1950s. Typically, the Madison Regatta is held every Fourth of July and draws thousands of spectators to the banks of the Ohio River to watch these incredibly fast watercrafts. Madison, Indiana maintains numerous docks for boaters to utilize while enjoying water sports in this part of the country. 

The river is home to many different types of fish and aquatic life. Fisherman will have ample opportunity to hone their craft while fishing the Ohio River whether fishing from the bank or from a boat. Catfish, as well as many other kinds of fish, call the Ohio River home. Microscopic plants and animals thrive in the diversified environment of the river as well as giant catfish and paddlefish. This diversity offers fishermen many hours of enjoyment. There are over a hundred, different species of fish plus a multitude of frogs, salamanders, beavers, otters, newts and eels that live in or near the river area. 

For children, there is no better place to grow up than along a river such as the Ohio River as it offers many educational opportunities. Children can spend many hours exploring the river bank, hiking the natural beauty of the wooded plateaus and learning important survival skills in the process. A family vacation along the banks of the Ohio River will be one that is not soon forgotten.

The Ohio River has many maintained docks, both public and private. There are as many as 20 dams on the Ohio River and these dams, make for great fishing. Anglers know that a good fishing hole makes all the difference. Fishing at any one of these 20 dams is guaranteed to bring pleasing results. Black and white bass, sauger and drum fish all call the Ohio River their home. Paddlefish are enormous and have been swimming in fresh water on this planet for 50 million years before the dinosaurs.

Luckily for fishermen living near the river the best fishing of their lives is close at hand. Paddlefish can weigh as much as 200 pounds and have a very long snout, thus the name. The long snout of the paddle fish actually helps them hunt for food as it acts has a highly effective antenna. The fish use this antenna to find tiny plankton that also lives in the river most abundantly. Fishermen may have quite the fight on their hands when trying to tackle one of these monster fish that reside in the fast moving waters of the Ohio River and its tributaries. When speaking of fresh water sport fishing, the paddlefish is quite the prize to catch. Because of their unusual feeding habits, paddlefish are not easy to catch and are usually caught by accident by fishermen. Paddlefish are caught and sold for commercial use, and their eggs are often sold for caviar.

The Ohio River is a relatively young river. The river formed during an early ice age, some 3 million years ago. From a geological standpoint this, is considered young for a river. The upper Ohio River was formed when an ancient glacial lake spilled over; creating the Ohio River as the result of a flood. The same is true for the middle section of the river; it was also formed from a lake, flooding over. The river is a mecca for water sports of every kind imaginable. Fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skis and even triathlons take place on the river every year.

Louisville, Kentucky hosts the Iron Man Triathlon. This sport includes bicycling, running and swimming; swimming in the river tests both the abilities and endurance of the athletes. This well-known event draws thousands of athletes to the Louisville area and to the Ohio River for practice and training. It even brings thousands of tourists to the area; all to see who the champion will be. Swimming a 2.4 mile race in the river is no easy task. The Ohio River is notorious for its swift currents and strong undertows. Athletes who finish the triathlon successfully will have a lot to be proud of.

Bird watching has and always will be a very popular activity to enjoy as the river is teaming with wildlife. Places like the Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge offer bird watchers many chances to view birds living and hunting on the Ohio River or on its banks. Perhaps the best part is it is free. Bird watching lowers your blood pressure and is an easy activity to enjoy outdoors. Birds such as the Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Blue Heron are numerous and easy to spot. Smaller birds such as the Indigo Bunting are small and not as easy to spot but will be well-worth the extra effort. Indigo Buntings are a deep, but bright beautiful blue that is like no other bird. Numerous birds and waterfowl live near the Ohio River and this makes it even more attractive to vacationers.

Canoeing and kayaking are also an extremely popular water sport. The Ohio River with its fast current is not as welcoming to this sort of water sport; however, smart individuals make use of the many tributaries that feed into the river. By utilizing the smaller rivers that flow into the Ohio River canoes and kayaks can discover the many secret coves and hideaways contained therein. Canoeing and kayaking may be more difficult for beginners, as a lot of upper body strength is required; however, with a little practice it will soon become a favorite pass-time. There is no better way to see aquatic wildlife such as birds and fish up close. When gliding silently by on a small watercraft, the wildlife may never even know you are there, and this makes a perfect opportunity to capture that once-in-a-lifetime photograph or memory.

If you plan on using your vacation time, your weekend, or your evenings free on the Ohio River you can be assured it will be worth it. Beautiful scenery, plus peace and quiet, is guaranteed. Perhaps the best part will be all the wonderful memories for you and your family. For those who cannot think of spending their summers without being on the water, there could be no place better than the Ohio River and its natural beauty. Whether you decide to swim, fish, bird watch or go boating, there is room for everyone on the wide, wide Ohio River with its expansive water way. The beauty is breathtaking; the air is clean. Take advantage of endless adventures by exploring the Ohio River today.

When it comes time to slow down and relax, there is just no better place to accomplish this than by spending time on the Ohio River and enjoying the many attributes of river life. A lazy day spent on the river will melt your troubles away. Whether you are into boating, fishing, bird watching or just watching the sunset, you will never regret a vacation spent on the Ohio River and enjoying all the beauty she has to offer. 

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