While one of the methods of getting hold of some big flatheads and channels is to wade close to the bank and literally pull these fish out from under rocks and roots of trees (called tickling and noodling), catfish can also be caught on conventional pole and line methods, too.

One of the more productive stretches of this river system for catfish is the stretch through Kenton, Pendleton and Robertson counties. In this stretch the river has some deeper holes, plus a whole lot of bank cover that gives catfish a lot of places to hide and wait for food. Anglers should concentrate on where the Licking River breaks into the North and South forks, and perhaps around Johnson Creek, which feeds into the main river in Robertson County.

Catfish like to travel some, and they will move freely from tributaries to the main stem of a river system like the Licking, depending on water levels and number of food sources. Still-fishing during the day in the deeper water, then along the bank adjacent to deep water or on rocky cover during low-light periods, is usually productive for catfish. In the Licking River, it's mostly going to be channels and flatheads that you'll be catching.

Selecting medium-action rods and stronger test line is going to be important when catfishing most any of the river systems highlighted here. Catfish are one of the best species at getting wrapped up over rocks and limbs when they get hooked. You have to have some confidence you can ride out a fight against the heavier fish, and that you can do some directing of where the fish goes.

Obviously, an ultralight spinning rod spooled with 4-pound-test won't give you much option besides a few tugs. Likewise, you might want to stay clear of two-piece rods, and choose one with a two-hand handle. Bigger fish that fight longer can tire your hands quickly, even if you're doing nothing more than trying to hang on.

Other tips include having a dip net handy, just for ease and speed of getting fish boated. Pliers are essential to remove hooks from these rubbery-mouthed species. Catfish will pull so hard against you that the hook tends to bury itself, and is just plain tough to get out. Hooks swallowed are more often cut off, which will eventually dissolve and usually cause less internal damage than trying to wrench it free from well down in a fish's gullet.

All of Kentucky's river systems hold catfish. The larger ones and those that flow through agricultural lands with rich run-off can grow some really big, impressive fish. Most anglers say the smaller ones, up to 3 to 5 pounds, taste best. So maybe releasing the trophies after a digital photo is a good idea to consider.

One final note regarding catfishing in the Ohio is to remember that there is a consumption advisory on all species of fish, including channel, flathead and blue catfish. It is not unsafe to eat fish, but there is a recommendation of how much you should consume of each species to reduce health risks. These specific advisories, based on where you fish in the Ohio, are listed in the 2005 Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide. This booklet is available from license outlets, or over the Internet at http://fw.ky.gov.

The KDFWR also has available a Boating Access Guide that lists all of the launch ramps for Bluegrass State rivers. You can get that free by calling (800) 858-1549 and requesting a copy from the KDFWR during regular Monday through Friday state office hours.

Summer catfishing on these rivers this year is expected to be very good. If you've not gotten hold of a big Kentucky catfish lately, these waterways are certainly at the top of the list of best rivers to catch one for yourself.