Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Ohio

All about fishing for flathead and channel catfish in OH.

Major lakes in Ohio, including Alum Creek Lake, Atwood Lake, Berlin Lake, Buck Creek State Park Lake, Buckeye Lake, Caesar Creek State Park Lake, Charles Mill Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, Clendening Reservoir, East Fork Lake, Findlay Reservoir, Grand Lake St Marys, Hoover Reservoir, Indian Lake, La Due Reservoir, Lake Erie, Lake Milton, Leesville Lake, Mogadore Reservoir, Mosquito Lake, Nimisila Reservoir, Piedmont Reservoir, Pleasant Hill Lake, Portage Lakes, Pymatuning Lake, Rocky Fork State Park Lake, Salt Fork Lake, Senecaville Lake, Tappan Reservoir and West Branch Lake, Wolf Creek Lake are excellent places to find healthy populations of catfish.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Ohio?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

LaDue Reservoir produced the state record channel catfish.

The state record flathead catfish was taken out of Clendening Lake.

Catfish can also be found in rivers, ponds and smaller lakes.

Catfish Fishing Video

Deanna Howes, 21 years old caught 64.69 lb, 49" flathead catfish at Seneca Lake in OH using bluegill for bait.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Ohio. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Information for states with catfish.