channel-catfish
Species Facts

Science Name: Icalurus punctatus
Other Names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish
Ideal Temp: 82 to 89
World Record: 58 lbs. SC
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle
Description

This is one of the most popular fish species swimming in U. S. waters. The channel cat doesn't achieve the tremendous size of his cousins the blue cat and flathead cat, but his willingness to take a wide variety of baits, together with his abundance, has led to his popularity.

Channel catfish are scaleless and have slender bodies, deeply forked tails, barbels around the mouth, and curved anal fins with 24- 30 rays. Color varies, but is generally bluish-silver on the upper half of the body and silver to white on the lower half. Most young fish have spots on the body. They have sharp spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Some anglers mistakenly call channel catfish with few or no spots blue catfish, but blue catfish are found only in the Ohio River.

Most channels are caught by bottom fishing with baits such as dried chicken blood, chicken livers or gizzards and nightcrawlers. They prefer dead or prepared stinkbaits to live bait but at times will take live minnows and lures such as spinners and jigs. Strong fighters with good endurance, they are frequently caught on trotlines. Since channel catfish can also be taken by commercial fishermen.

Where to Find Widely distributed throughout US

Habitat Most common in big rivers, especially deep stretches with sand, gravel or rubble bottoms. They like some current, but not as mush as blue catfish. Channels are also found in lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Their preferred temperature range is 75 to 80F.

Feeding Habits The channel cat is a fairly indiscriminate feeder. It preys on live fish, crayfish or insects, but will just as willingly devour dead fish, or anything else he happens upon.

Age and Growth There have been records of channel cats reaching 40 years of age. They grow faster than white catfish, but slower than blues or flatheads.

Spawning Habits Spawn in the late spring or summer, normally at water temperatures from 70 to 75F. Males build nests under logs, in the shade of boulders, in holes in the back, in barrels, or in other dark, secluded spots. Males guard the nest until the fry leave.

Table Quality Considered one of the best-eating freshwater fish. The meat is white, tender and sweet when the fish is taken from clean water. Any off-taste can usually be eliminated by discarding the reddish meat from the sides.

Hybrids On rare occasion, hybridizes with blue and flathead cats.

Tips for Fishing

Channel catfish feed on or near the bottom. Nightcrawlers, shrimp, crayfish, chicken livers, and minnows are effective. Spinning or casting tackle with a sinker heavy enough to keep the bait on the bottom is commonly used. A good time to catch channel catfish is after a hard rain when the water is on the rise. Channel catfish are excellent table fare.