Tims Fish Pages - Species Info- Channel Catfish

Scientific Name:

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Names:

channel catfish, blue channel catfish, spotted catfish, river catfish

Description:

They have a small, narrow head with long barbels around the mouth, forked tails, and spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Color on their back is grayish blue, sides are light blue or light gray, and their underside is mostly white. Distinguished from blue catfish by having fewer rays (24-29 of them) on their anal fin and sometimes by having black spots.

Location:

Native to central and eastern US and southern Canada.

Size:

Most average about 2 to 4 lbs but can grow to 50 lbs or more.

Spawning:

Spring and early summer after water temp rises above 70 deg F. The male finds or forms a nest usually in secluded areas. The female will lay a few thousand to over 20 thousand eggs, depending on here age and other factors, in a large, flat, gelatinous mass. Eggs are spherical and yellowish or goldish in color. They generally turn more brown before hatching. The male protects the nest until the hatched larvae leave, usually a few days after hatching.

Prey:

Sensitive taste buds in the barbels and on the skin are used to locate prey. The feed primarily at night. They consume, among other things, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and crayfish. Larger channel catfish may also feed on fish.

Fishing notes:

The best baits are stinkbaits, baits using dried chicken blood, chicken livers, gizzards, and nightcrawlers. While they can be caught with live minnows or spinners and jigs, it is rare.