 Ohio River of the Appalachian Foothills in Southeast Ohio
The state’s longest river, there are 451 miles of the total 950-mile length of the Ohio River which flows across the eastern and southern border of the Buckeye State, dividing itself among West Virginia and Kentucky. Online Map
Long gone are the shallow waters and untamed rapids that once greeted traders and commercial shippers who navigated the river. Today, the Ohio River contains a series of lock and dam structures that provide long and tranquil navigational pools utilized by commercial barges as well as recreational boats.
The Ohio River supports an increasing level of recreational boating and fishing, particularly on river communities such as Marietta and Gallipolis. There is no waterway in Ohio quite like the Ohio River. And for this reason, it serves as a popular and unique boating destination, but it also presents special boating challenges.
It is important that boats be in excellent operational order and that boaters keep safety awareness a priority at all times. Special navigational rules apply that restrict boating access near certain structures and when passing through any of the lock and dam structures.
Locking through a dam on the Ohio River is a special boating experience. Boaters may pass through these lock and dam structures at no charge, but must follow precise boating rules to do so safely.
Marine facilities and services are generally available around larger communities such as Marietta, but can be hard to find elsewhere. Access to the river is generally found slightly upstream from the main river channel in one of the many tributaries that enter the Ohio River.
In Marietta, a boat launch facility is located at Indian Acres on Ohio Route 60. Seasonal dockage is available at Marietta Harbor. The historic city of Gallipolis offers a boat ramp and the recently construckted KH Butler access contains handicap-accessible launch ramps. Additional ramp locations are located along the Ohio River and can be obtained on this web page by viewing the Online Map
Sport fishing is a popular activity and attracts many boaters and anglers. Various species of bass, sauger, walleye, catfish and crappie are among many of the game fish caught in the Ohio River. Special fishing license agreements and regulations exist between Ohio and West Virginia and Ohio and Kentucky. Consult the Ohio Fishing Regulations for more information.
There is a great deal to enjoy and to learn about boating on the Ohio River. |