Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Widely stocked across Ohio — great summer and nighttime fishing.

Size Limit

None

Daily Bag

Season

Year-round

State Record

37 lbs 10 oz

Lake Erie (1992)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

chicken liver cut shad nightcrawlers stink baitshrimp

Lures & Artificials

dip baitspunch baits

Overview

Channel catfish are widely stocked in Ohio’s inland reservoirs and rivers. They’re excellent fighters and great eating. The Ohio River, Muskingum River, and many state park lakes offer outstanding catfish fishing, particularly during warm summer nights.

Ohio Lakes with Channel Catfish

10 lakes in our directory have channel catfish — sorted by size.

Lake Loramie

Shelby County

869.6 acres

Burr Oak Lake

Morgan County

667.9 acres

Acton Lake

Preble County

592.4 acres

Knox Lake

Knox County

491.1 acres

Kiser Lake

Champaign County

393.8 acres

Lake White

Pike County

332.7 acres

Wolf Run Lake

Noble County

207.6 acres

Stonelick Lake

Clermont County

161.1 acres

Veto Lake

Washington County

134.6 acres

Punderson Lake

Geauga County

80.3 acres

More Ohio Fish Species

Bluegill

Sunfish

Flathead Catfish

Catfish

Walleye

Perch

Blue Catfish

Catfish

Largemouth Bass

Black Bass

White Bass

Temperate Bass

View all fish species →

Plan Your Channel Catfish Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next channel catfish fishing trip in Ohio.

Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Ohio DNR regulations before fishing. An Ohio fishing license is required for ages 16+.