Use live bait for flatheads and cut bait, chicken livers or worms for channel cats.

Parrett warned that the Scioto is full of shallow riffle areas, so boaters should be extremely cautious.

Boat access is available at the Lower Scioto Boat Ramp off West Whittier Road in Columbus. There is a canoe ramp off Scioto Street in Portsmouth. There are plenty of pull-offs and shore-fishing areas all along the river.

For more information on fishing the northern Scioto River around Columbus, contact the ODOW's Wildlife District One headquarters, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215; or call (740) 644-3925.

For information on the southern section of the river, contact Ohio's Wildlife District Four office at 360 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701; or call (740) 594-2211.

MUSKINGUM RIVER
The Muskingum River is formed in Coshocton by the confluence of the Walhonding and Tuscarawas rivers. It flows approximately 111 miles, till it meets the Ohio River in Marietta. All of the pools on the Muskingum offer good opportunities for catfish anglers.

Biologist Parrett pointed out, however, that the Marietta Pool (Devola Tailwater) is probably the best stretch for big flatheads.

"This part of the Muskingum is gaining notoriety all around the country for its excellent flathead fishing," he said.

The Marietta Pool is 5.8 miles long. Anglers can expect to find flatheads between 20 and 40 pounds on this stretch, and bigger fish have been caught. Channel cats can grow to 15 pounds here, but most weigh less than 5 pounds.

The Devola Pool in Washington County and the Beverly Pool in Washington and Morgan counties are also good catfish hotspots. In these pools, the fish are typically smaller than the catfish you'll see in the Marietta Pool.

Muskingum County also hosts a series of good pools for anglers to target. The Philo Pool is a good one. Most angling efforts here are focused around the Y-Bridge. The Licking River Pool and Zanesville Pool are also noteworthy spots.

The most popular areas to fish include the tailwater sections, eddies, large timber piles, riprap shorelines and current obstructions.

Most of the Muskingum may be accessed off state Route 60, which runs almost the entire length of the river. Use state Route 376 for access to the river near Stockport.

For more information on the Muskingum River contact Ohio's Wildlife District Four office.

DISTRICT FIVE
Great Miami River
The Great Miami River starts its trek toward the Ohio River north of Dayton. After flowing southbound for several miles, it passes through Cincinnati before making its confluence.

According to district biologists, the outlook for Great Miami catfishing is very good. Anglers can expect to see healthy numbers of both channel cats and flatheads inhabiting the river. Flatheads grow up to 20 pounds, sometimes larger as you get closer to the Ohio. Channel catfish can attain weights up to -- but seldom over -- 5 pounds.