Ohio River, Lake Erie, and their tributaries. Prefers large, turbid slow-moving rivers and large, cool shallow lakes.
Body is cylindrical with dark blotches along the sides.
Spiny dorsal fin has large rows of dark spots between spines. Jigs, minnows, or crankbaits fished near the bottom are often productive. Tailwaters below dams on the Ohio River and major tributaries are the best areas. Late fall and early spring are the most productive times.