Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Natural-history illustration of a spotted channel catfish with barbels and a forked tail
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Channel catfish are the most widely distributed and heavily stocked warm-water fish in the U.S., found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs from coast to coast. They're bottom-feeders with exceptional senses of smell and taste, locating food in turbid water where sight-feeders struggle. Channel catfish are a staple of urban fishing programs — they're easy to catch, fight well, and are excellent table fish. Large specimens over 20 pounds are not uncommon in well-managed waters.

Catching Tips

Cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits fished on the bottom near structure at night are top catfish producers. Use a slip-sinker rig (Carolina rig) so the fish can pick up the bait without feeling resistance. In rivers, target deep holes, undercut banks, and areas below dams where current concentrates fish.

World Record

58 lbs
Weight
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Location
1964
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Channel Catfish.