Photo by Ron Sinfelt.

Though catfish might not garner the same attention as our state's more glamorous species such as bass and trout, they are widely distributed across Pennsylvania.

Catfishing can be anything from taking the kids to catch a bucket full of eager-biting bullheads to targeting flatheads, one of the largest predatory fish swimming the state's waters. Channel catfish are widely distributed and are available in size and numbers throughout the state.

From a management standpoint, flatheads have provided the most catfish-related news in recent years. Native to the Ohio River and Lake Erie drainages of western Pennsylvania, flathead catfish have been found in both the Delaware and Susquehanna watersheds. Though they provide a "new" sport fish for anglers in central and eastern Pennsylvania, the flatheads' impact on these waters is unknown. Officially, however, they are a non-native species. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission urges anglers not to transfer flathead catfish caught in the Susquehanna and Delaware River basins.

Channel catfish are found throughout the state. Self-sustaining populations occur in many waters where favorable spawning habitat is found. In areas where such habitat is lacking, maintenance stocking ensures good numbers of channel cats.

Bullhead catfish are also widely distributed throughout the state. These pan-sized cats provide dependable sport for nighttime fishermen, and in most cases, local populations are underfished. Bullheading is perfect for family outings, as well as for introducing youngsters to the sport of fishing.

Because catfish exist in a variety of waters and provide a wide spectrum of angling opportunities, picking Pennsylvania's "top 10" catfish waters is no easy task. The following sampling of 10 top waters across the state provide good, steady fishing for flatheads, channel cats and bullheads:

MIDDLE ALLEGHENY RIVER
The middle portion of the Allegheny River, particularly from Tionesta down to East Brady, is a warm- water fishery that plays host to a wide variety of species, catfish included. Both flatheads and channel cats are present. From Tionesta up to Kinzua dam, water temperatures tend to be cooler (as a result of the Kinzua's discharge). Though catfish are still present, the conditions may limit the population somewhat. Below East Brady, the river is impounded -- an area we will cover next.

In the middle Allegheny River, catfish populations are habitat-related. Expect to find channel cats and flatheads in the biggest, deepest pools. Catfish often congregate in the upriver portions of such pools during feeding forays. Dredge holes exist in this portion of the river, and generally will hold good catfish populations. Manmade cover such as bridge piers deflect current and tend to amass piles of driftwood, both of which are attractive to catfish.

Middle Allegheny River catfish are accessible to both boat- and shore- fisherman. Dredge holes near Oil City, Reno and Tionesta provide good spots, but are by no means the only places to catch river cats from shore. Find a deep hole (usually referred to as an "eddy" in this part of the state) and chances are, it will hold decent numbers of cats.

In Forest County, the Fish and Boat Commission provides boat accesses at West Hickory and upriver from Tionesta. Both of these ramps are off Route 62. The Tionesta Sand and Gravel Company also allows the use of a ramp on its property, which is in Tionesta.