In this study, considering the first-level tributary of the Ningxia section of the Yellow River (Qingshui River) as the study area, 210 sediment samples were collected during the seasons in 2018. The distribution characteristics, sources, deposition records, and ecological risks of organochloride pesticides (OCPs) were studied using a 25-cm sedimentation column. Results revealed that 19 types of OCPs were detected in the Qingshui River sediments with detected (average) contents of n.d. ~36.527 (2.061) ng×g−1 and a detection rate of 79.05%. The OCPs in the sediments of the entire basin increased with increasing deposition depth. A distinct pollution peak was observed in the deposition depth range of 15-20 cm (1985-1993); the DDT and endosulfan contents considerably changed with increasing deposition depth. Pollution peaks appeared at 15-20 cm (1985-1993) and 10-15 cm (1993-2001). The component analysis results show that OCPs mainly originated from historical residues; however, in recent years, small amounts of lindane, dicofol, endosulfan, and chlordane compounds were noted in the local environment. Using the low-effect range and median method for potential ecological risk assessment, endosulfan was determined to have potential ecological risks, particularly at depths of 5-10 cm, thereby requiring attention and further research.