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    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 map of Pennsylvania counties where Channel Catfish fingerlings are stocked. Channel Catfish are mostly stocked in PA's Southwest and Southeast counties 2024-Channel Catfish Stocked infographic

    Interactive Maps

    Find fishing waters by using one or more of our interactive maps: