Catfish (Channel)
Ictalurus punctatus
One of the best beginner fish — they bite at night, hit almost any bait, and fight hard
📅 When to Fish
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across most of the US. Like holes, undercut banks, submerged timber, and areas below dams where current swirls.
Best Season
Late spring and summer are peak. Night fishing is extremely productive June through August.
Best Times
After dark is prime — channel catfish feed heavily at night. Dusk and dawn also excellent.
Record
58 lbs
Ideal Water Temp
70–85°F
Top Lures & Baits
- •Cut shad or skipjack
- •Chicken liver under a slip sinker
- •Nightcrawlers
- •Stink bait or dip bait on a sponge hook
- •Live small bluegill
🔍 Identification
Smooth scaleless skin, 8 barbels around mouth, deeply forked tail. Bluish-gray to olive back, white belly. Can exceed 50 lbs.
🍽️ Eating Quality
Excellent — mild, white, firm flesh. The most popular catfish species for eating. Excellent fried or in chowder.
📍 Where to Find It
🎣 Beginner Tip
Cut a piece of shad in half, thread it on a 2/0 circle hook, and cast to a deep hole in a river. Put the rod in a holder. Wait. Catfish will find it by smell. This is one of the most productive — and relaxing — ways to fish.