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 SCIOTO RIVER DATA
Scioto 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 Scioto through Ohio
Trace the actual Scioto River mainstem from the upper river through Columbus and Chillicothe to Portsmouth and the Ohio River.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Scioto changes character as it moves through central and southern Ohio, from reservoir water near Columbus to a broader free-flowing river downstream. Anglers can encounter a mix of bass, catfish, crappie, panfish and other warmwater species along the system.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Crappie
Bluegill
Saugeye
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Griggs ReservoirThe impounded Scioto through northwest Columbus provides reservoir-style fishing with shoreline, bridge and boat access. Bass, crappie, catfish and panfish are among the main warmwater targets.
FISHING AREA
O’Shaughnessy ReservoirUpstream of Griggs, O’Shaughnessy offers another reservoir section of the Scioto with boat and shoreline fishing opportunities and a broad mix of warmwater species.
FISHING AREA
Columbus to ChillicotheBelow the Columbus reservoirs the river becomes more free-flowing. Pools, riffles, current seams and deeper bends create habitat for bass, catfish and other river species.
FISHING AREA
Lower SciotoThe river grows larger toward Portsmouth and its confluence with the Ohio River. Deeper pools and larger-river habitat make catfish and other big-river species increasingly important.
Before you fish
- Fish populations and productive areas can vary by season, water level and river reach.
- Check current Ohio fishing regulations before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
Griggs Reservoir
A narrow, river-like reservoir on the Scioto River managed as part of Columbus's drinking-water system.
Fishing Powerboating Kayaking Canoeing Paddleboarding
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir
A narrow Scioto River reservoir north of Columbus with public recreation subject to city waterway rules.
Fishing Powerboating Kayaking Canoeing Paddleboarding
Know before you go
- Griggs and O’Shaughnessy have a maximum boating speed of 40 mph, with additional posted restrictions in some areas.
- Idle speed is required within 100 feet of shorelines or bridges.
- Swimming, tubing and personal watercraft are not permitted in Columbus reservoirs and waterways.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Trabue-Murphy Boat Launch ↗
Public launch on Griggs Reservoir with access for power boats and paddle craft.
Nottingham Boat Launch ↗
Public Griggs Reservoir launch improved for both trailered boats and paddle craft.
Scioto Audubon Boat Ramp ↗
Public Scioto River ramp south of downtown Columbus. Motorized boats, canoes and kayaks can access the river here.
Scioto Grove North Launch ↗
Canoe and kayak access to the Scioto River at 4994 Jackson Pike.
Scioto Grove South Launch ↗
Canoe and kayak access to the Scioto River at 282 Hibbs Road.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park ↗
119-acre riverfront park just south of downtown Columbus with boating, paddling, fishing and the Scioto Greenway Trail.
Scioto Grove Metro Park ↗
620-acre park along a scenic bend of the Scioto with paddling access, river fishing, overlooks and more than seven miles of trails.