Ohio fisheries biologists are predicting another banner year of catfishing for Buckeye State fishermen.

Anglers can "bank" on seeing good action all around the state this month. But their best bet for optimal fishing will be on the several rivers crisscrossing Ohio's vast landscape.

Anglers should note that a new statewide regulation has been established governing the harvest of trophy catfish. Only one channel cat over 28 inches and one flathead catfish over 35 inches may be taken per day.

"A lot of experienced anglers are actually excited about this new limit," said Tim Parrett, an Ohio fisheries biologist. "It will help protect the trophy-class fish that so many people are now targeting."

The first step in catching big catfish is targeting the waters where they live. Here is a closer look at Ohio's top catfish rivers, how to access them and where to find your Fish Ohio trophy this month:

DISTRICT TWO
Maumee River Among Ohio's Wildlife District Two catfish hotspots is the Maumee River. According to district biologists, the stretch of the Maumee upriver from Toledo is the best for catfishing.

"Both channel cats and flatheads are prevalent here," one biologist pointed out. "For the most part, channel catfish are in the 2-pound class, and flatheads attain weights up to 20 pounds."

The Maumee, though broad, is a shallow river. Some of the deepest holes are only 6 to 8 feet deep. These holes are great places to look for catfish during the day. Biologists recommend that once night falls, you search for cats on nearby flats and other shallow areas. Use live bait for flatheads; and fresh cut bait, livers or worms for channel catfish.

A good portion of the river is surrounded by private property, forcing anglers to obtain permission from landowners to gain access. Be aware that in Ohio, you must have written permission to hunt or fish on someone else's land.

Other access areas can be found below the Providence Dam off state Route 110, or near the Independence Dam east of Defiance off state Route 424. The Grand Rapids area, off U. S. Route 24, is also a good access point.

Many flatheads are caught below the Providence Dam.

HURON RIVER
The Huron River is another District Two catfish magnet. ODOW Biologists note that the river from Monroeville to Lake Erie is prime for both channel cats and flatheads.

During the day, look for fish in holes between 5 and 7 feet deep. At night, the catfish will head for the shallow flats to feed. Don't expect to find many holes on the Huron deeper than 7 feet.

On the Huron, channel cats under 5 pounds are the norm, but bigger fish do exist. Flatheads around 20 pounds are frequently caught. Access may be gained by obtaining written permission from bordering landowners. Public access is available at the Huron Boat Basin on state Route 2, or below the Monroeville Dam off state Route 20. The Milan Wildlife Area, managed by the ODOW, is three miles west of Milan, east off state Route 13 on Lovers Lane Road.

According to biologists, this area is popular with local anglers.