Ohio regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in Ohio 2026
Ohio channel catfish regulations in 2026: 28″ min size, 1 fish bag limit. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (4)
Ohio statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Status
- Prohibited
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 28"
No limit — No limit All fish may be taken by hand except catfish 28 inches or larger
Channel Catfish on famous Ohio waters
Dedicated rule pages for Channel Catfish on the most-targeted destinations in Ohio.
Other Ohio fish regulations
Other regulated species in Ohio with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)40 rules
- Yellow Perch24 rules
- Smallmouth Bass14 rules
- Largemouth Bass12 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)12 rules
- Walleye11 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)4 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)4 rules
- Northern Pike2 rules
Also known as
Channel Catfish is also called Catfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Ohio.
Frequently asked questions
When is Channel Catfish season in Ohio?
Channel Catfish season in Ohio is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Channel Catfish in Ohio?
Minimum size for Channel Catfish in Ohio is 28 inches, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Ohio?
Daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Ohio is 1 fish, per DNR.
Official sources cited
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.