ND Channel Catfish Fishing Guide

Catfish Family: Catfish family members range in size from small to large and get their name from their whisker-like barbels.

Identification: adipose fins whisker-like barbels No scales Deeply forked tail Grayish brown color Anal fin with 24-29 rays Small channel cats often have small black body spots

Notes: Channel catfish do not have scales, and their smooth skin contains taste buds across their entire body. The channel catfish is our most widespread member of the catfish family. Channel catfish have relatively poor vision, and use their highly developed sense of taste to locate food in turbid waters. The Red River, Missouri River and Lake Oahe are excellent catfishing locations. Catfish are an underutilized resource in the state and are excellent eating. Large channel catfish in North Dakota can exceed 30 pounds and live more than 20 years.

Habitat & Range

Channel catfish do not have scales, and their smooth skin contains taste buds across their entire body. The channel catfish is our most widespread member of the catfish family. Channel catfish have relatively poor vision, and use their highly developed sense of taste to locate food in turbid waters. The Red River, Missouri River and Lake Oahe are excellent catfishing locations. Catfish are an underutilized resource in the state and are excellent eating. Large channel catfish in North Dakota can exceed 30 pounds and live more than 20 years.

Fishing Season

Open year-round (April 1 – March 31)

License & Regulations

A valid North Dakota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are available. Two free fishing days per year (typically in June and December) allow fishing without a license. Purchase licenses online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

References

• North Dakota — Channel Catfish