Fishing is the most popular activity on the river though it is used by pleasure boaters and personal water craft. Excellent fishing is available throughout the year for largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and flathead catfish. The river is channelized and the shores are lined with rock. Additionally there are fishing opportunities in oxbows, creeks and river bottom lakes. Various sites on the river are host to bass tournaments throughout the year.
Seasonal patterns are quite varied.
Crappie can be found in good size and numbers in many of the feeder creeks in both spring and fall. Early spring finds bass close to cover and willing to bite a properly presented jig. Warmer weather signals a move toward spawning areas and spinnerbaits are often effective. Bass can be especially difficult to pattern in the summer. Early in the morning, fish can be taken in the oxbows with bright spinnerbaits.