Blue Catfish are brown/ gray to slate-blue, with a deeply forked tail. They have four barbels ("whiskers") that hang from the lower jaw, two from each corner of the mouth and two from the top of the head near the mouth. The whiskers are harmless. Blue Catfish can be differentiated from Channel Catfish by the straight edge on the anal fin (long fin on bottom, in front of tail).
Habitat & Range
Blue Catfish are primarily large-river fish, occurring at channel drop-offs and creek mouths. Blue Catfish are opportunistic predators and will eat various fish species. Common prey items consist primarily of Gizzard Shad, along with crayfish, freshwater mussels, and other readily available aquatic food sources.
Where to Fishing
Blue Catfish have been reported in the Delaware River, the Nanticoke River, and in the Christina River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing Tips
Blue Catfish are a large predator, so cut fish, such as Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker) fished on the bottom, is often used. INVASIVE: Please do not return to water. Immediately kill and contact Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.
