River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE OLENTANGY RIVER DATA
Olentangy River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Olentangy through central Ohio
Trace the Olentangy from north-central Ohio through Delaware, Highbanks, Worthington and Columbus to its confluence with the Scioto River.
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River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Olentangy is a relatively small warmwater river with riffles, pools, rocky runs and deeper bends. Fishing opportunities vary from the more natural reaches north of Columbus to heavily urban sections farther downstream.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Rock Bass
Bluegill
Channel Catfish
Suckers
Sunfish
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Highbanks reach ↗The river through Highbanks Metro Park offers wading and bank-fishing opportunities along a shallow, scenic reach with rocky habitat and deeper pools.
FISHING AREA
Worthington and north ColumbusThe river becomes increasingly urban but retains riffles, current seams and pools that can hold bass and other warmwater fish.
FISHING AREA
OSU and lower OlentangyThrough the university district and toward downtown, the river runs through a developed corridor with public greenway access in several locations.
Before you fish
- Fish abundance and access vary by river reach and water level.
- Check current Ohio fishing regulations before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The Olentangy is primarily a paddling river rather than a powerboating river. Water depth can vary considerably, especially during dry weather.
Highbanks Metro Park ↗
Highbanks provides canoe and kayak access on a scenic section of the Olentangy bordered by shale bluffs and wooded floodplain.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Olentangy Water Trail ↗
The Columbus water trail follows the Olentangy through parks and neighborhoods toward its confluence with the Scioto.
Kayaking Canoeing Urban paddling
Know before you go
- Water depth can become very low during dry periods, making some reaches difficult to paddle.
- Low-head dams and other river hazards may require portaging; check the current route before launching.
- Use designated public access points and respect private property along the river.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Highbanks River Bluff Access ↗
Canoe and kayak access on the west side of the Olentangy at the River Bluff area.
Highbanks Big Meadows Access ↗
Upstream paddling access within Highbanks for trips through the park.
Lower Olentangy Boat Launch ↗
Lower-river access near the downstream end of the Columbus Olentangy Water Trail.
Highbanks Metro Park
Large riverfront park known for its high shale bluffs, ravines, trails, fishing and Olentangy paddling access.
Antrim Park
Columbus park beside the Olentangy corridor and greenway trail, near the northern portion of the city water trail.
Whetstone Park
Large Columbus park along the Olentangy Greenway and river corridor.