CHANNEL CATFISH (Ictalurus punctatus) are commonly stocked in ponds and lakes for recreational fishing due to their rapid growth, large size, and strong fighting ability, which make them popular among anglers.
ALIAS: Spotted cat, fork tail, speckled, fiddler
IDENTIFICATION: Slender; back blue-gray; sides light blue to silvery with scattered dark olive to black spots; belly white; fins olive to dusky. Head wide, flat to slightly rounded above; eyes large, above midline of head; upper jaw overhangs lower; 4 pairs of barbels. Adipose fin present; outer edge of anal fin rounded, 24-31 rays; caudal fin deeply forked.
DIET: Insects, crustaceans, fish, some plant matter.
HABITAT: Rivers and large creeks in slow to moderate current over sand, gravel, or rocks; ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.
SPAWNING: Late-May to July when water temperatures are 70-75°F. Nests are constructed in natural cavities and overhangs.
FISHING TIPS: Being a bottom feeder, catfish are often caught on nightcrawlers, chicken livers, sunfish, fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows. They feed most actively at night and in the early morning.
USE: East Slope Only; Call to Confirm