Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
The most widespread catfish species in the United States, channel cats are abundant in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs from the Great Plains to the eastern seaboard. They grow to trophy sizes, provide excellent table fare, and are one of the most reliable night-fishing targets in American freshwater.
Seasonal Activity
Jan
Slow
Feb
Slow
Mar
Slow
Apr
Good
May
Prime
Jun
Prime
Jul
Prime
Aug
Prime
Sep
Prime
Oct
Good
Nov
Slow
Dec
Slow
Best Techniques
- bottom fishing with cut bait
- fishing stinkbait or liver
- drifting in rivers
- night fishing
Top Baits
- cut shad/sucker
- chicken liver
- nightcrawlers
- stinkbait
- shrimp
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | 53.5 lb | — | Randall Gilgert | 2008 | San Joaquin River |
| IL | 45.25 lb | — | — | — | — |
| GA | 44.75 lb | — | Bobby M. Smithwick | 1972 | Altamaha River |
| WI | 44.66 lb | — | Larry Volenek | 1962 | Wisconsin River |
| FL | 44.5 lb | — | Joe Purvis | 1985 | Lake Bluff |
| TN | 41 lb | — | Clint Walters Jr. | 1982 | Fall Creek Falls Lake |
| NC | 40.5 lb | — | — | — | — |
| MI | 40 lb | 41.5 in | — | 1964 | Houghton Lake |
| MN | 38 lb | — | — | — | Mississippi River |
| WA | 37.7 lb | — | Cole Abshere | 2019 | Lake Terrell |
| OH | 37.65 lb | — | Gus J. Gronowski | 1992 | LaDue Reservoir |
| NY | 37.56 lb | — | Dylan Kampnich | 2025 | Black River Bay |
| IN | 37.5 lb | — | Randy E. Jones | 1980 | Lake, Vanderburgh Co. |
| TX | 36.5 lb | — | Mrs. Joe Cockrell | 1965 | Pedernales River |
| PA | 35.19 lb | — | Austin E. Roth III | 1991 | Lehigh Canal |
| MO | 34.63 lb | — | Gerald R. Siebenmorgen | 1976 | Lake Jacomo |
| VA | 31.5 lb | — | Sue Stanley | 1992 | Rappahannock River |
Caught a Channel Catfish?
Log your catch and see how it stacks up against state records.
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