Channel Catfish is recorded in 16 of the 18 spots within 75 minutes of Akron. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Channel Catfish peaks around Akron in May, June, July, and August. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Channel Catfish near Akron
1. Portage Lakes
Portage Lakes is a 12-minute drive from downtown Akron. Launch at Portage Lakes State Park - North Reservoir, the public ramp on Portage Lakes closest to downtown (≈ 6.1 mi). Public access on Portage Lakes: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 34 ft. Recorded here: Spottail Shiner, Common Carp, Redear, and Largemouth Bass.
2. Nimisila Reservoir
Nimisila Reservoir is a 19-minute drive from downtown Akron. Launch at Portage Lakes State Park - C 1, the public ramp on Nimisila Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 9.2 mi). Public access on Nimisila Reservoir: 4 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 32 ft. Recorded here: Sauger, Common Carp, Warmouth, and Bluegill.
3. Mogadore Reservoir
Mogadore Reservoir is a 19-minute drive from downtown Akron. Launch at Ticknor Road Boat Ramp, the public ramp on Mogadore Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 8 mi). Public access on Mogadore Reservoir: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 25 ft. Recorded here: Muskellunge, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Warmouth.
4. Michael J Kirwan Reservoir
Michael J Kirwan Reservoir is a 26-minute drive from downtown Akron. Launch at West Branch State Park - Fishermans Lot, the public ramp on Michael J Kirwan Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 17.4 mi). Public access on Michael J Kirwan Reservoir: 4 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 55 ft. Recorded here: Sauger, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Muskellunge.
5. Rex Lake
Rex Lake is a 18-minute drive from downtown Akron. Public access on Rex Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 61 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Redear, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish.
6. Springfield Lake
Springfield Lake is a 14-minute drive from downtown Akron. Launch at Springfield Lake - Springfield Ramp, the public ramp on Springfield Lake closest to downtown (≈ 5 mi). Public access on Springfield Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 30 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass.
