Identification
A deeply forked tail and an upper jaw that projects beyond the lower jaw are useful clues. Young fish commonly show dark spots, while larger individuals may lose them. Channel Catfish generally has 24–29 anal-fin rays, compared with 30 or more in Blue Catfish.
Size and Feeding
Published maximum length and weight describe exceptional fish and are not a claim about the current angling record. Smaller catfish feed heavily on insects; larger fish take a varied assortment of animal foods. A lack of spots does not turn an old Channel Catfish into a Blue Catfish.
Bait and Presentation
Established bait choices include worms, liver, shrimp and prepared stinkbaits. A bottom presentation near a pool or other suitable holding water is a practical starting point. Match hook and bait size to the fish you are seeking and the tackle you can manage.
Spawning Cover
Channel Catfish use cavities for nesting, with males guarding the eggs. In Texas, spawning occurs in late spring as water warms. Local conditions shift the timing, so a calendar alone cannot identify a nesting period.
Check the Tail and Anal Fin
Spots are helpful when present, but they can fade with age. Tail shape, jaw position and the anal fin provide a better combination for comparison with other catfish.
All Lakes With Channel Catfish
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Channel Catfish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 16,314 lakes · Page 1 of 680
- 28 Tank Yavapai, AZ
- A A Rauchfuss Lake Caldwell, NC
- A L Chaffin Dam Butte, CA
- A One Lake Apache, AZ
- A S U Lake Watauga, NC
- A W Dale Lake Montgomery, AL
- A. J. Jolly Lake Campbell, KY
- Abbott Lake Sutter, CA
- Abbott Lake Harding, NM
- Abbott Lakes Monterey, CA
- Abbott Pond Northeastern Connecticut, CT
- Abbott Reservoir Lassen, CA
- Abbotts Lagoon Marin, CA
- Abel Lake Cleburne, AL
- Abel Reservoir Stafford, VA
- Aberdeen Lake Monroe, MS
- Abiquiu Reservoir Rio Arriba, NM
- Abramson Lake Lauderdale, AL
- Accident Pond Garrett, MD
- Acherman Pond Dale, AL
- Achunachi Lake DeKalb, AL
- Ackleys Pond Bradford, PA
- Acme Lake Westmoreland, PA
- Acme Pond Northeastern Connecticut, CT