All About Channel Catfish
Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book
Channel Catfish Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Variety of places including clear deep rivers to muddy ponds and lakes
How
Bait -- Chicken or beef livers, cut bait, minnows or prepared stink-bait fished on the bottom with a single or treble hook slip rig
Lures -- Spinners and jigs tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler
Line -- 10 lb. test
Hook Size -- 4
When
Summer, Early to mid-June -- Nighttime
Channel Catfish Stocking
2024-Channel Catfish Stocked infographic
Interactive Maps
Find fishing waters by using one or more of our interactive maps:
- Best Fishing Waters - Channel Catfish
- Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have catfish
- County Guide for access points