As fall fishing season takes hold across Ohio, the Old Dutchman Bait Shop in Westerville is bustling with activity, driven by reports of strong catches at nearby Hoover Reservoir.
Fall is one of the best times of year to fish, as dropping water temperatures push fish into shallower waters where they feed aggressively ahead of winter.
Fourth-generation shop owner Courtney Ashcraft said this season has brought a noticeable increase in catfish and crappie, and for the first time in several years, a return of white bass.
“We're seeing catfish, so we're seeing an increase in crappie. We're seeing some white bass for the first time in the last couple of years,” Ashcraft told the Mount Vernon News.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), crappie are especially active in the fall, often found around submerged structure such as fallen trees, artificial cover, sloping points, creek bends and spillways. Anglers using light rods, small jigs or live minnows, whether casting or vertical jigging, can find success in these areas.
White bass populations had taken a hit in recent years due to a die-off, Ashcraft said, but anglers are now hooking into them again while targeting other species.
"They had a lot of white bass that died,” she said. “This was quite a few years ago, and there hadn't been a whole lot of 'em since then, but people are saying they're picking 'em up while they're fishing for crappie out here."
White bass, traditionally targeted in the spring, are also drawing attention this fall. Night fishing with floating or submerged lights is a popular technique, as the lights attract baitfish and draw in feeding bass, ODNR notes. Fishing near pump houses, where moving water congregates shad and minnows, can also yield results.
The bait shop is also seeing more anglers seeking gear made close to home.
“I have seen an increase in demand for local made products, and I have picked up Lazy Lead Heads and Underhill Baits as 2 new local suppliers of crappie and bass jigs,” Ashcraft said.
Among the most popular tackle this fall are inline spinners and rooster tails, along with small jig heads paired with soft plastic tails, a favorite setup for crappie.
“We’re using a lot of inline spinners right now, a lot of Mepps,” Ashcraft said. “I’ve been selling a lot of rooster tails. Also a lot of crappie jigs, little jig heads with the soft plastic tails.”
Ashcraft said the resurgence of white bass and consistent crappie fishing could signal a strong season for both anglers and local businesses.
“It’s be great to see all the crappie and the white bass coming back,” she said. “That'll be that'll be good for business. It'll be good for everybody.”
Catfish, which remain a staple for fall anglers, have also been active at the Hoover Reservoir, with several anglers landing trophy-sized blue cats in recent weeks.
“I’ve seen quite a few big blue cats,” Ashcraft said. “We saw two over 30 pounds and then another guy had one over 27 pounds. That’s been in the last couple of weeks, catching ’em on live bluegill and goldfish. It’s been pretty decent since it got cool out.”
Bullheads are common in farm ponds, while channel, flathead and blue catfish dominate rivers and larger reservoirs. Anglers typically use strong-smelling baits, such as cut shad, chicken livers or nightcrawlers, to target these bottom feeders, according to ODNR. In the fall, catfish tend to school near deeper water and feeder streams, actively feeding on shad and bluegills.
Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license in Ohio. For fishing reports, regulations and license purchases, visit wildohio.gov.
The iconic Old Dutchman Bait Shop sign in Westerville welcomes anglers preparing for fall fishing at nearby Hoover Reservoir, where local catches of catfish, crappie, and white bass are on the rise. (Courtney Ashcraft)
A selection of popular bait and tackle on display at Old Dutchman Bait Shop in Westerville, featuring live bait and a menu of options designed to help anglers reel in catfish, crappie, white bass and other fall favorites at nearby Hoover Reservoir. (Courtney Ashcraft)
