Buckeye Lake
In 1995, a substantial fish die-off occurred in Buckeye Lake. This event's adverse effects proved to be most evident with its flathead population. Hundreds of big flathead catfish were found floating on the lake's surface. Many of these fish surpassed even the 60-pound mark.

According to biologist Lundquist, this had a major impact on the flathead fishing for several years. In spite of the setback, the lake still managed to remain a great flathead fishery. Its fishery has recovered for the most part, but Buckeye Lake is still improving as a catfish destination.

Today, anglers are catching flatheads in the 20- to 60-pound class. The bigger specimens are not quite as common as they were back in the early 1990s, but they are there.

Though Buckeye Lake spans 3,300 acres, most of the catfishing is done around Cranberry Marsh and the two holes on the east end of the lake, near Avondale Park. Successful flathead anglers cast live bait such as sunfish, carp, and chubs onto the flats near these holes. (Continued)

Channel catfish in Buckeye Lake reach great sizes as well. They are typically found in the same or similar areas as flatheads. Channel catfish anglers simply adjust their baits to cut or smaller live baits, which have proven to be very successful in June.

Access to Buckeye Lake may be found off state Route 79 south of Hebron. There are no horsepower restrictions in effect, and the lake is typically very busy during daylight hours.

To request more information and lake maps, call the ODOW's District One headquarters at (614) 644-3925.

DISTRICT TWO
Maumee River
Located on the far western basin of Lake Erie is the Maumee River. Noted for its early spring walleye run, this river rarely receives the acclaim it deserves for its magnificent flathead fishing throughout the summer, particularly in June.

Mike Wilkerson, a District Two fisheries biologist, pointed out that certain sections of this underrated river can yield tremendous flathead catfishing opportunities for persistent anglers. Flatheads over 20 pounds are not uncommon fare here. The occasional gargantuan one is also caught.

One good area to target, noted Wilkerson, is the lower Auglaize, where it turns into the Maumee at Defiance. Another good area is the Independence Dam tailwaters. The flats near deep river holes and timber piles downstream from the Independence Dam are also good targets in June.

Live bait seems to be the preferred choice, which comes as little surprise. Sunfish and creek chubs have become the most popular form of indigenous bait species on the river. Wilkerson recommends fishing them right off the bottom.

Nighttime is the traditional time to go for flatheads, but don't pass up an opportunity to hit the early morning bite as well.

Much of the access on the Maumee River is on private land. When accessing the river via private property, written permission is required. However, some public areas are present off River Road (Route 65) on the east side of the Maumee.

Boat access on the lower Maumee is possible, but anglers must use extreme caution, as the shallow riffle areas can be hazardous.

For more information on the Maumee River, contact Ohio's Wildlife District Two headquarters at (419) 424-5000.

Findlay Reservoir No. 2
If you're after good channel catfishing in District Two, Findlay Reservoir No. 2 is a great place to start your search.