Channel cats may be found in both the West and North Branch of the Susquehanna, but the main stem of the river provides perhaps the most consistent action. The Dauphin Narrows portion of the river, just above Harrisburg at Marysville, is a popular channel catfishing area. Recently, when the PFBC electro-shocked the Marietta portion of the river, it revealed good numbers of channel cats, plus quite a few flatheads as well.

The Marietta portion of the Susquehanna may be accessed by boat from either the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Marietta access or the East Donegal Township ramp at its river front park.

LACKAWANNA LAKE
Northeastern Pennsylvania anglers, particularly those from the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton area, have a good catfish resource in Lackawanna Lake. Found in the state park of the same name, this 200-acre impoundment contains good numbers and sizes of channel cats, plus a fine population of bullheads.

Last spring, the PFBC surveyed Lackawanna, primarily to study the lake's panfish density and size structure. The lake census also revealed a good population of channel catfish, with the biggest fish stretching to 28 inches. While channel cats appear to be in modest numbers, the bullhead fishery is denser.

Both brown and yellow bullheads are present. Brown bullheads topped out at 15 inches, while yellow bullheads to 13 inches were collected.

Lackawanna Lake lies about 10 miles north of Scranton. Three boat launches are provided. Motors are limited to electrics only.

Phone the state park office at (570) 945-3239 for more information.

NOCKAMIXON LAKE
Last spring, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission conducted a survey of this 1,450-acre Bucks County lake to determine if channel catfish were reproducing successfully. Not only did they conclude that the answer is yes, but they collected good numbers of both stocked and wild channel cats.

Fueled by a long-term maintenance-stocking program, Nockamixon has been a consistent producer of channel catfish. The 2007 survey trap-netted 97 channel cats up to 29 inches. Channel cats are present from years in which cats were not stocked, so it appears the fishery will continue as a self-supporting one.

Located in Nockamixon State Park, the lake has a 20-horsepower motor limit. For anglers, the most popular ramps are Haycock and Threemile Run.

Call the park office at (215) 529-7300 for additional information.

SCHUYLKILL RIVER
The Schuylkill, particularly the stretch within Valley Forge National Park, supports an excellent catfish population close to many anglers in the southeastern part of the state.

When the PFBC looked at this portion of the river three years ago, it found not only the excellent channel catfish fishery it expected, but numerous flathead catfish as well.

Channel cats outnumbered flatheads five to one. But the largest channel cat measured 30 inches in length, while the biggest shovelhead taped 36 inches.

The national park provides an access area for boats. There is also excellent shoreline access to this stretch of river.

For more information, call the park office at (610) 783-1000.