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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

    Interactive Maps

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