Channel Catfish is recorded in 8 of the 9 spots within 75 minutes of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland in May, June, July, and August. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Channel Catfish near Cleveland
1. Portage Lakes
Portage Lakes is a 50-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Launch at Portage Lakes State Park - North Reservoir, the public ramp on Portage Lakes closest to downtown (≈ 35.5 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. LaDue Reservoir
LaDue Reservoir is a 41-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Launch at Auburn Launch Ramp, the public ramp on LaDue Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 24.9 mi). Public access on LaDue Reservoir: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 25 ft. Recorded here: Channel Catfish, White Perch, Walleye, and Redear.
3. Nimisila Reservoir
Nimisila Reservoir is a 57-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Launch at Portage Lakes State Park - C 1, the public ramp on Nimisila Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 38.9 mi). Public access on Nimisila Reservoir: 4 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 32 ft. Recorded here: Sauger, Common Carp, Warmouth, and Bluegill.
4. Michael J Kirwan Reservoir
Michael J Kirwan Reservoir is a 59-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Launch at West Branch State Park - Fishermans Lot, the public ramp on Michael J Kirwan Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 36.1 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 56-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Public access on Rex Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 61 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Redear, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish.
6. Mogadore Reservoir
Mogadore Reservoir is a 64-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Launch at Ticknor Road Boat Ramp, the public ramp on Mogadore Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 34.7 mi). Public access on Mogadore Reservoir: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 25 ft. Recorded here: Muskellunge, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Warmouth.
