SOUTHWEST OHIO
East Fork Lake
Southwest Ohio is full of great catfishing waters. East Fork Lake covers 2,160 acres in Clermont County and features plenty of 12- to 26-inch channel cats. Expect some fish up to 10 pounds. During the summer, East Fork anglers catch more at night. Target the stream channel in the upper half of the lake.

In the upper half of the lake, there are three launch sites. Two are at the extreme tips of the lake's two upper arms. The third site, which is centrally located at the confluence of these two arms, can be reached via old state Route 32 which leads to an access road south to the lake.

Grand Lake St. Marys
Grand Lake St. Marys is one of the most diverse catfishing destinations in Ohio. Located in Mercer and Auglaize counties, this 13,500-acre lake features excellent populations of bullheads and channel cats, along with increasing numbers of flatheads.

The best bullhead fishing is usually during the spring in boat channels, but some may be caught in the summer. Expect most bullheads to measure 9 to 12 inches. Channel cats will average 11 to 18 inches, with some fish ranging up to 15 pounds. Flatheads will range from 5 to 20 pounds.

Nighttime is the best time for bullheads, channel and flatheads during the summer. Cut baits are excellent for channel cats, and live baits work best for the flatheads.

A launch site in the northeastern corner of the lake, near the junction of state Route 29 and state Route 364, provides good access to the eastern half of the lake.

Anglers looking to try the western shore may launch from a site in the northwestern corner of the lake at the intersection of state Route 29 and U.S. Route 127.

Also, campsites are available at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park at (419) 394-3611.

Rocky Fork Lake
Our last top-rated catfish destination for 2006 is Highland County's Rocky Fork Lake. Covering 2,080 acres, Rocky Fork boasts channel cats and flatheads. The channel cats will average 1 to 3 pounds, with some up to 15 pounds. Some flatheads will weigh over 30 pounds. Rocky Fork catfish bite best at night during the summer.

There are several different ramps servicing the lake. The northern shore of the lake can be accessed via U. S. Route 50. From there, follow Beechwood Road south to North Shore Road, which parallels the lake.

There are two launch sites on North Shore Road. One is east of the Beechwood Road intersection, and the other is west of the junction.

The lake's southern shore may be accessed via state Route 124. Three additional sites are off Fishermen's Wharf Lane, Blue Ribbon Road and McCoppin Mill Road.

For maps or more information regarding East Fork Lake, Grand Lake St. Marys or Rocky Fork Lake, contact the ODOW's District Five office, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, OH 45385. Or telephone (937) 372-9261.