The Hannibal Locks and Dam are located on the Ohio River at the city of New Martinsville, WV. While there are scores of places to fish the Ohio River, the tailwater sections below locks are one of the best. The rapidly moving water provides cool and oxygenated water in which a number of fish species thrive. At different times of the year these areas provide fast action for walleye, sauger, white bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and more. Catfish are also caught in and slightly downstream of these tailwater areas.
The Hannibal Locks and Dam provide one of the easiest to use fishing locations in the area. Fishing access to the locks is on the West Virginia side of the river at New Martinsville. The locks provide a large parking area, two large fishing piers and a cemented riprap bank area that can be fished off of in addition to the piers. The circular fishing piers not only provide access to the river, but also create current breaks that provide shelter for the fish which attracts them to the piers. Though the walks are rough, and somewhat steep, the fishing piers themselves are handicap accessible. Near the fishing pier is a walking path that runs along the river. The path provides some access points to the river for bank fishing above and below the locks, but be certain to stay off of public property.
A large public restroom is available at the location, but the level of cleanliness leaves much to be desired. A small pavilion with picnic tables is also located on the bank above the fishing piers and another one offers a fish cleaning station. There are numerous places to shop and dine near to the locks. There is a Wal-Mart located a few hundred yards from the locks if you need to make a last minute purchase of tackle or bait. Just down the river in New Martinsville is a public boat ramp providing boaters access to the water. Fishing and other recreational boats are allowed to pass through the lock. The parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp also provides room for bank fishing.
New Martinsville, WV, is located along WV Route 2 and across the river from OH Route 7. A bridge crosses the Ohio River at New Martinsville, just south of the fishing piers. Both Route 2 and 7 run north to Interstate 70 near Wheeling, WV, and south to Interstate 77 near Parkersburg, WV, and Marietta, OH.
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/default.aspx?tabid=22445
http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/LocksandDams/HannibalLocksDam.aspx