Unlike the Upper Mississippi, the Ohio does not have sprawling backwater lakes and a web of running sloughs. It is largely main channel, with some islands and tributary creeks. The creeks are absolutely key to largemouth populations, as they generally offer plenty of woody cover and protection from periodic high flows in the main river. Many of these creeks contain standing timber since the water level raised significantly following construction of the locks and dams. Also unlike much of the Upper Mississippi, aquatic vegetation is quite limited. Some grass beds do exist in summer in certain main channel border areas.

The Ohio River has the dubious distinction of being involved with the three Bassmaster Classics with the lowest winning weights (1983, 1987, 2005). In 2005, Kevin Van Dam's day-three limit in Pittsburgh weighed only 4 lb. 13 oz., giving him the all-time lowest Classic-winning total of 12 lb. 15 oz.

However, bass fishing on this large river is not as bad as those high-profile statistics seem to indicate. Recent studies have shown that while the populations of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are somewhat lower than reservoirs in the area, they grow fairly quickly and have slightly better body condition than that of their lake-dwelling counterparts. More information can be found in this 2001 Ohio River Fisheries Management Team Report.