Both areas provide access for boaters. Follow state Route 204 to either site. Liebs Island is at the western end of the lake. Fairfield Beach lies along the southern shore.

Indian Lake
One of central Ohio's largest lakes, Indian Lake, covers over 500 acres of water and is one of the state's best channel cat destinations. Located in Logan County, this lake produces best at night during the summer. Look for areas with some current, especially in the upper basin.

There is a launch site in the northeastern corner of the lake, off state Route 273, that provides good access to the upper portion of the lake.

Deer Creek Lake
Our last heavy hitter for the district is Deer Creek Lake. Covering 1,287 acres in Madison, Fayette, and Pickaway counties, Deer Creek Lake is home to excellent populations of channel cats.

The upper end of the fishery should produce best results during the summer. Fish the edges of the creek channel with cut shad.

For access to the upper portion of the lake, follow state Route 207 along the southern shore to Road D-12.

Antrim Lake & Hargus Creek Lake
A stocking program fuels our sleeper picks, Antrim and Hargus Creek lakes. Antrim Lake, in Franklin County, is managed by the city of Columbus. Approximately 1,000 yearling channel catfish measuring 9 to 11 inches were released in September 2003. Those fish should be up to 20 inches this summer.

Because Antrim Lake covers just 40 acres and no boats are allowed, it's the perfect shoreline destination. It's also a great place to take kids or beginners. Antrim Lake, one mile north of Columbus, can be reached via state Route 315. Bring plenty of night crawlers or shrimp when you go.

Hargus Creek Lake covers 140 acres. In 2002, 10,000 yearling channel cats were released and an additional 2,500 yearlings were stocked in 2004. This summer, anglers can expect plenty of 12- to 22-inch channel cats.

Electric motors are permitted. There is a small launch site along the northwestern shoreline. State Route 188 and U. S. Route 22 provide access to the lake, which is located just northeast of Circleville.

For maps or more information, contact the ODOW's District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215; or call (614) 644-3925. (Continued)

NORTHWEST OHIO
Bressler Reservoir
Northwest Ohio features three fisheries capable of producing large channel cats. Bressler Reservoir in Allen County was built to supply water to the city of Lima. Covering just 582 acres, Bressler is not that large, but the channel cats lurking in its deep waters average 20 to 26 inches in length, with some fish up to 20 pounds. Local anglers favor balloon fishing from the shoreline.

Parking areas line most of the lake, making it easy for shoreline anglers. Boaters looking to access mid-lake regions may launch from a site on Kemp Road, which may be reached via state Route 81. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake.

Findlay Reservoirs
Findlay Reservoir No. 1 and No. 2 are up-ground reservoirs in Hancock County, built to supply water for the city of Findlay.