Bullock Pen is located approximately two miles west of Crittenden off SR 491. Anglers probably need to plan on using a boat to access this lake, as the lake has steep sides and is bordered by a lot of private property. There is some bank access near the boat ramp located on Violet Road.

Guist Creek Lake is a little larger and definitely one catfish anglers should know about. Crosby said the lake has a very good channel catfish population with a lot of large fish and even some trophy potential. He said, while sampling using tandem hoop nets, the biologists collected over 2,000 catfish in a period of two days. That is a lot of fish!

Anglers can find Guist Creek Lake in Shelby County just off U.S. Route 60 about two miles east of Shelbyville. From Route 60, take a left on SR 1871 and then right on SR 1779. The lake is 317 acres and there is a marina and launch ramp. Shoreline fishing is also available.

Over in Logan County is a lake that is rarely talked about except by the locals. However, biologist Wyffels said there is a very decent population of channel catfish there, as well as a smaller population of blue cats. Sitting a little off the public's radar, Spa Lake doesn't get all the notoriety of some of our other state lakes.

Spa Lake totals about 200 acres, but is narrow and spread out with many twists, turns and coves. There is a gravel ramp at the lake but no facilities. It is owned by the city of Russellville and can be found off SR 106 approximately five miles southwest of Lewisburg.

Wyffels said West Fork Drakes Reservoir also should capture the attention of anglers. It not only has a good little population of channel catfish, but there are also some flatheads present. Anglers will find good numbers and pretty good size distribution.

West Fork Drakes is owned by the city of Franklin. The lake is located off SR 73 less than two miles from Franklin. There is a concrete boat ramp and a second gravel ramp. There is bank access at the Franklin Simpson Park which is located on North Street off U.S.-31W North just outside Franklin.

Boltz Lake in Grant County is another catfish hole favored by Crosby. The lake isn't overwhelmed with huge numbers of catfish, but there is very good potential there for anglers to hook a trophy. Boltz Lake receives 2,300 channel cats and 900 blue cats each year.

Boltz Lake is located four miles from Dry Ridge. It totals about 97 acres and has one boat ramp. The lake can be accessed off SR 467.

Numerous other small state lakes have catfish opportunities worth mentioning. Wyffels recommends 18-acre Briggs Lake in Logan County, as well as Mill Creek Lake in Monroe County. Mill Creek is 109 acres and stocked with channel catfish every other year. Briggs is stocked with channel cats annually.

Other lakes suggested by Crosby include Beaver Lake in Anderson County and Elmer Davis Lake in Owen County. The latter receives some 7,000 stocked channel cats each year. This 149-acre lake has good numbers and numerous larger fish. Beaver Lake totals 158 acres and gets channel cat stockings to the rate of 8,000 per year.

The smaller lakes owned by the KDFWR have a 12-inch minimum harvest size restriction for channel catfish. Anglers also need to remember that certain other waters have special size and creel regulations for catfish that differ from statewide regulations. Always check for the most current regulations before fishing at a new location.