Flathead Catfish fishing at Muskingum River

In spring, flathead catfish run shallow here, mostly 5 to 20 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 9 to 30 ft. Marietta harbor hole is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 26 ft, rated prime for fall flathead catfish. In summer the feeding windows fall in after dark and the evening.

Channel Catfish fishing at Muskingum River

Spring channel catfish on Muskingum River hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 8 to 25 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 30 ft. Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6) is the standout, a creek channel at roughly 23 ft, rated prime for summer channel catfish. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Muskingum River

Spring smallmouth bass on Muskingum River hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 30 ft. The spot to know is Zanesville lock tailwater, a rock pile in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in spring. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Tie on a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig and you're in the game.

Freshwater Drum fishing at Muskingum River

Spring freshwater drum on Muskingum River hold shallow, usually 5 to 20 ft. They move out to 8 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 30 ft. Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6) is the standout, a creek channel at roughly 23 ft, rated prime for summer freshwater drum. Best bite is the evening. Tie on a jig + crawler combo or a small crankbait (slow) and you're in the game.

Common Carp fishing at Muskingum River

In spring, common carp run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 3 to 15 ft, and winter fish settle into 10 to 30 ft. Marietta harbor hole is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 26 ft, rated prime for winter common carp. Best bite is early morning and the evening.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Muskingum River

Spring largemouth bass on Muskingum River hold shallow, usually 2 to 10 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 9 to 30 ft. Channel bar / point (mile 11.8) is the standout, a point at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for fall largemouth bass. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Tie on a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait and you're in the game.

How deep is Muskingum River?

Muskingum River is about 30 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Muskingum River?

Anglers target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, common carp, longnose gar, rock bass on Muskingum River.

Where is the best fishing spot on Muskingum River?

Marietta harbor hole is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 26 ft of water that rates prime for flathead catfish in fall. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Muskingum River?

For flathead catfish, the summer bite is best in after dark and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.