This slender, elongate Catfish has a deeply forked tail and can be differentiated from blue catfish by the rounded anal fin (long fin on the bottom in front of tail). Young Channel Catfish will sometimes have small black spots. Catfish 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.
Diet: fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and even vegetation as they scavenge the bottom
Habitat & Range
Channel Catfish are found in deeper ponds and rivers. They feed on fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and even vegetation as they scavenge the bottom.
Where to Fishing
Statewide
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing Tips
Channel Catfish will hit lures, but rarely. A better bet would be to use one of the numerous "Catfish baits" that can be purchased or such baits as worms, chicken livers, or cut pieces of fish fished on the bottom.
