...

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish - channel cats - channel catfish tail fin

Ictalurus punctatus

Other Names: blue cat, willow cat, chucklehead cat, and the spotted cat

Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

The Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is also called the blue cat, willow cat, chucklehead cat, and the spotted cat. It is referred to as a catfish because its barbels look precisely like the whiskers of a cat. Ictalurus is Greek, meaning “fish cat,” while punctatus is Latin for “spotted,” which refers to the dark spots found on its body.

There are 39 species of catfish in the Northern part of America. The three main catfish species targeted by anglers in the United States are Channel Catfish, Flatheads, and Blue Catfish. The larger a catfish, the older it is because they never stop growing. 

The official fish of Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Kansas is the channel catfish. The natural predator list for an adult channel catfish is small. It mainly consists of large flathead catfish and muskies.

Channel Catfish prefer clean and warmer water temperatures. Anglers can catch channel catfish in almost every waterbody east of the Rocky Mountains into Mexico and Canada. Catfish are some of the most underrated fish in the country since they grow large, put up a good fight, and taste great.

Blue Catfish Vs. Blue Cat

Despite having the nickname “blue cat,” channel catfish are not the same species as blue catfish. The blue cat is a common name for channel catfish in certain areas, especially in the spring when the male channel cat turns dark blue during spawning.

Channel catfish and blue catfish can be challenging to tell apart. Generally, channel catfish are brown with darker spots, while blue catfish are blue. However, catfish vary in color based on the water they live in, and channel catfish usually lose their spots when they are more prominent.

The best way to distinguish these species of catfish is by counting the number of rays on its anal fin. Blue catfish will have over 30 anal rays, while the channel cat will have less than 30. The blue catfish also has an anal fin squared off on the front edge, while the channel catfish has a rounded anal fin. The blue catfish has three chambers in the swim bladder, while the channel catfish has two.

Blue catfish are the largest species; the all-tackle record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds.

Features of Channel Cats

Like all types of catfishes in North America, the body of a channel catfish lacks scales and is cylindrical in cross-section. All its fins are soft-rayed except for the pectoral and dorsal fins, which have hardened and very sharp spines that could wound anglers if not handled cautiously. They have about 24-29 soft rays on their anal fin. 

Its adipose fin is at its back, just between the caudal tail fin and dorsal fins. Its cat-like barbels at the mouth region are on its lower jaw and upper jaw. The barbels are in a specific pattern, with one on each tip of the upper jaw and four under the lower jaw. The upper jaw of channel catfish extends beyond the lower jaw.

Channel catfish have an olive-brown to slate blue color at their side and back, while their belly has a silvery-white color and a deeply forked tail. However, their color varies based on the color of the water they inhabit. They are likely to appear light yellow in muddy water, while in fresh, clear water, they are mostly all black.

In a young channel fish, you find irregular spots on their sides, while these spots disappear in adults.

Channel Catfish are much smaller than flathead and blue catfish. Most channel catfish don’t exceed 20 pounds. Generally, anglers targeting channel catfish are going for quantity.

Distribution

Channel catfish are native to the Nearctic, initially living in the Mississippi Valley, north of the prairie provinces of Mexico and Canada, and in the Gulf States. Since then, it has become widely introduced throughout the world.  Today, you can find them in many parts of the U.S., situated in the far west like California and even Texas and Indiana. The current range of channel catfish extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico, living in many major drainages of the U.S.

Habitat

Channel catfish prefer well-oxygenated, clean natural waters such as swiftly flowing streams, but they also live in ponds, lakes, sluggish streams, and large reservoirs. Usually, channel catfish live in waters with gravel, sand, or rubble bottoms, rarely waters with mud bottoms. 

Moreover, you will hardly find them in dense aquatic weeds. They are naturally freshwater fishes but can survive in brackish and muddy waters.

During the daytime, channel fishes are found in deep holes, especially in places that protect rocks and logs. Their feeding activity and movement usually occur at late hours of the day and just before sunrise. 

Young channel catfish feed in shallow areas, while adults prefer feeding in deeper waters immediately downstream from sand bars. You also hardly find adult channel fishes moving from one place to another. They are primarily sedentary—their young move from one place to another, especially at night when feeding.

Age And Growth

Channel catfishes tend to grow more effectively in warm waters. Optimum growth occurs in waters at temperatures of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When there is an 18-degree change in temperature, there is always a halving or doubling of their metabolic rate. 

In fresh or natural waters, the average size of the channel catfish caught by fishermen is usually less than 2- 3 pounds. The size and age they reach in natural waters depend on many factors. 

Research and studies on the age and growth of the channel catfish have shown that they do not reach 1 pound in size in many natural waters until after 2 to 4 years. A study in the Lake of Ozarks showed that the channel fish doesn’t reach a size of 13 inches in total length until they are eight years old. The maximum age ever recorded for this fish is forty years. 

Subsequently, the channel fish’s growth rate in production ponds depends on factors such as food taste, quality and quantity of food fed, water quality, frequency of feeding, and many others. Most farm-raised channel catfishes are harvested at 18 months and weigh 1-1/4 pounds, unlike the Bullhead Catfish counterpart, which would be much larger in the same amount of time.

Spawning

Channel catfish spawn in late spring into early summer when the water temperature is between 75° and 85° F (23° to 30° C) with about 80° F (27° C) being optimum. Wild populations of catfish may spawn as early as late February or as late as August, depending on the location.

Males select nest locations, usually in dark, secluded places, like holes in drift piles, undercut banks, logs, and rocks.

Female cats release golden-yellow gelatinous egg mass in the bottom of the nest. Males then guard the nest, occasionally eating any disturbed eggs. The surviving eggs generally hatch in about a week. The newly hatched fry remain in the nest for about another week while being guarded by the male channel catfish.

The survival rate of young channel cats is much lower in clear water as they are more susceptible to predation.

Young Channel catfish under 4 inches long feed mostly on small insects.

Channel catfish in captivity reach sexual maturity in about two to three years, while natural populations usually reach maturity in about three to six years. They typically are mature by the time they get to a length of 12 inches.

Feeding

Feeding occurs during the day but more at night. Channel catfish feed on a wide variety of animal and plant material near the bottom of natural waters, but some also feed at the surface.

Based on the analysis conducted on their stomach, young channel catfishes feed mostly on aquatic insects. Adult catfish feed on green algae, seeds, small fish, insects, snails, crawfish, and aquatic plants. However, they prefer terrestrial insects, and there has also been a record of birds found in their stomachs.

The channel catfish detects food with their sense of taste. Their taste buds are in their mouth, gill arches, pharynx, and even their entire external surface. They have barbels and gill arches than any other type of fish, and they see efficiently in clear water, which is an essential means through which they find food.

In turbid water, they also require their sense of taste to find food quickly. The catfish’s organs for smell are in their nostrils, located just in front of their eyes.

Fishing For Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are very popular among anglers, especially those who eat their catch.

Catfish are popular with trot liners as well as rod-and-reel anglers. Anglers can catch channel catfish on a wide variety of baits, including chicken livers, worms, grasshoppers, shrimp, cheese, and stinkbait.

About 200,000-300,000 catfish are stocked annually by the FWC in public waters. Although catfishing is commonly done at night, large catfish can also be caught throughout the day. Catfishing during the day is usually easier from a boat to allow anglers to reach the deep areas catfish would be hiding in.

The best places to target channel catfish are large streams with low or moderate current, where they are often most abundant. 

Fishing Tips

Baits with strong odors such as chicken livers and stink baits are best for targeting channel catfish. They will also eat anything natural to the fishery, including minnows, break, shad, or sunfish.

Channel catfish tend to prefer areas containing some structure, whether it’s a bridge, downed tree, dock, or rocks. 

While fishing for channel catfish, look for structure and points in the fishery’s deep parts while working into the shallow areas. Generally, catfish are deeper during the day and in shallower water at night, but this varies based on the fishery. Knowledge of the local water helps for a successful day of catfishing, which is why a local fishing guide is a great option when targeting catfish.

Fish on the bottom with a sturdy #2 to #4 hook and a heavy split shot sinker.

Tackle depends on the size of fish you are targeting. Often a medium action combo with a 15 to 20-pound fishing line is sufficient. Some advanced catfisherman targeting trophy channel catfish may use a heavier rod and fishing line.

Be careful of sharp spines when handling these fish.

Best Time

Anglers catch channel catfish throughout the year; however, summer is usually the best time. Generally, they live in deep, slow-moving water in the winter and faster shallow water in the summer. They are known to be more active at night but can be caught throughout the day in some spots.

Best Florida Catfish Fishing

  • The Apalachicola River offers excellent fishing for a channel, flathead, and blue catfish. Angling for big channel cats is best from April into early July; flathead fishing picks up in April and runs into the summer months. Small catfish can be caught year-round, but the spring and summer months are best. For all species, anglers should try the area from the Jim Woodruff Dam south to Owl Creek. Target deep holes with structure, old creek channels, and the mouths of tributaries. Live bream fished on the bottom well for big flatheads, while stink baits or nightcrawlers (also fished on the bottom) should do the trick for channels. Try fresh cut bait, such as mullet, if pursuing blue catfish.
  • The Choctawhatchee River provides outstanding fishing for channel and flathead catfish. Channel catfishing is best from late May through early July and October into November, if the water remains warm. Anglers catch small catfish year-round. Concentrate on the Alabama line south to West Bay and around Holmes Creek’s mouth and other tributaries. Most of the larger catfish live in the river’s northern portion within deep bends and holes or where large woody debris is present. Try live bream on the bottom for flatheads up to 30 pounds. Stink baits or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom will do the trick for channels.
  • The Escambia River generates quality opportunities for blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Fishing for channel catfish and big flatheads peaks from April through October. The best stretch lies from the Alabama line to the I-10 Bridge. Savvy anglers will fish live bream on the bottom for big flatheads and stink baits or nightcrawlers for channel catfish.
  • The St. Johns River and Dunn’s Creek yield superior bullhead, channel catfish, and white catfish. Prime locations include Dunn’s Creek to Lake Crescent, Murphy’s Creek from the St. Johns River to Dunn’s Creek, and the river from Palatka to Little Lake George. Try the hole on the north side of Buffalo Bluff Bridge, but bring plenty of hooks and weights because there are many snags.
  • The Ochlocknee River offers excellent fishing for bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish. The best angling begins in April for flathead catfish and mid-May into early summer for channel cats. Both channels and flatheads will continue to bite until the water turns cold in October or November. Anglers catch small catfish throughout the year, but fishing slows down in colder months. Catfishing is good throughout the entire river but especially in the Talquin tailrace area for whites and flatheads. Try deep rivers bends with structure further downstream for flatheads as well.
  • The Clermont Chain of Lakes offers anglers superb opportunities for the channel and white catfish. Anglers should concentrate on offshore open-water areas, particularly near drop-offs or around bottom structures. Canals and channels may also be attractive to catfish during times of flow. Cut baits or stink baits should work well for both species.
  • Haines Creek, near Leesburg, provides good angling for bullheads, channel catfish, and white catfish. Anglers land most of the larger channel catfish from mid-April through June and October, and November as water temperatures begin to drop. However, small catfish of all species are readily available year-round in flowing water. The creek between Eustis and Griffin lakes offers the best catfishing on the system, particularly below the lock and dam.
  • The Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes affords great bullhead, channel catfish, and white catfish angling opportunities. The peak spawning periods for big channel catfish are between April and June and hungry afterward. Bullheads primarily spawn from October into November but may spawn year-round. Water flow will concentrate catfish and make it easier to locate and catch. The best sites include C-31 (East Lake Canal), C-35 (Southport Canal), C-36 (canal between Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchineha), C-37 (canal between lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee), below the Kissimmee River structure (S-65), around the mouth of and in Shingle Creek, and the lake proper around fish attractors. Catfish are often found near drop-offs or around the bottom structure in the canals.
  • Southwest Florida Lakes offer many excellent opportunities for channel catfish and bullhead, including lakes 2-5, B and Picnic at Tenoroc Fish Management Area (Polk County); lakes LP2 West, Haul Road Pit, and Pine East at Mosaic Fish Management Area (Polk County); lakes 1 and 3 at Hardee Lakes Park (Hardee County); Lake Manatee (Manatee County); and ponds managed under the Tampa Bay Urban Fishery Program, particularly Dover District Park and Stephen J. Wortham Park.
  • Joe Budd Pond (Gadsden County), a 20-acre impoundment, provides excellent channel catfishing. Fish can live throughout the lake, particularly around the fishing fingers and along the dam. This site is only open to the public on weekends, beginning the first Saturday in July through the Labor Day weekend (including the Labor Day holiday). Fishing worms or nightcrawlers on the bottom will often be effective. Anglers can catch fish from shore or a boat. Gasoline motors are not permitted. Fish are typically nine to 14 inches. A harvest limit of six-channel catfish per person, per day, is strictly enforced.For more detailed information on these catfish hotspots, visit www.myfwc.com

Water Quality

The water quality limitations and preferences for both the wide channel fish and farm-raised species are no different. Besides, the lethal oxygen for both is about 1ppm, and reduced growth could occur when the oxygen concentration is less than 4ppm. 

In natural waters, channel catfishes are hardly exposed to lethal concentrations of either nitrate or ammonia. Still, they are no more tolerant of high levels of ammonia and nitrite than are those that are farm-raised.

Edibility

Channel catfishes are very popular and delicious. You can cook them in various ways, such as grilled, roasted, boiled, or fried.  One of the main reasons channel catfish are highly sought after by fishermen is their delicious flavor when cooked.

Record

The IGFA all-tackle world record channel catfish weighed 58 pounds. The angler caught it in South Carolina, Santee Cooper Reservoir in 1964

WHERE CAN YOU FIND BEST CHANNEL CATFISH
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT channel catfish