Channel Catfish | Washington Department Of Fish & Wildlife

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• Species in Washington
• Channel catfish

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Category: Fish Common names: channel cat, blue channel, willow cat, speckled cat, forked tail cat, river cat, Mississippi cat, white cat, silver cat

Description and Range

Physical description

Channel catfish are one of several species from the catfish family that occur in Washington and are probably the most popular because of the large size they can attain and they are considered excellent eating. Channel catfish are the only established catfish species in Washington with a forked tail. The three species of bullhead catfish (brown, yellow, and black) occurring in Washington have a lobed tail. The fork in the tail of older and larger channel cats (greater than 10 pounds) may be worn and less pronounced, but the size of these fish should prevent confusion. Bullhead catfish normally top out at 2-3 pounds. Juvenile channel cats are usually light blue to grey, with prominent dark spots along the sides. As they grow, their coloration may darken and the spots will become less distinct. Though uncommon, albino channel catfish (pure white their entire lives) may also be encountered.

Channel catfish average 16-24 inches in the 2-5 years post stocking. Some individuals will live 15-20 years, grow over 30 inches in length and weigh in excess of 30 pounds.

Geographic range

Channel catfish are well-established and naturally reproduce throughout the lower Columbia, Snake, Walla Walla, and lower Yakima Rivers and the lower reaches of their tributaries. Highest densities occur in the Yakima and Snake River. In lowland lakes, channel catfish are not known to spawn and require regular stocking to maintain recreational fisheries. Thus, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks many lakes throughout the state to provide this opportunities for this popular fish, both "dinner-size" and trophy.

Regulations

Licenses and permits

Anglers age 15 and older must have an annual freshwater, combination or Fish Washington license. Licenses can be purchased online; by telephone at 1-866-246-9453; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state.

Rules and seasons

The general statewide regulation for channel catfish is a five-fish limit, with no minimum size. Several small lakes where channel catfish are stocked have a two-fish limit. In the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers, there is no daily bag limit on harvest. Regulations may change from year to year, so make sure you consult the latest fishing regulations pamphlet for accurate information on the water you intend to fish.

Where you may encounter channel catfish

Lakes where this species may be found

Adams County

• Sprague Lake

Benton County

• Columbia Park Pond
• Lake Wallula
• Mitchell Pond
• Mound Pond
• Palmer Pond
• Switch Pond
• Yellepit Pond

Chelan County

• Roses Lake

Clark County

• Lacamas Lake
• Vancouver Lake

Cowlitz County

• Kress Lake

Douglas County

• Banks Lake
• Big Bow Lake

Franklin County

• Dalton Lake
• Mesa Lake
• Powerline Lake
• Scooteney Reservoir

Grant County

• Banks Lake
• Lower Goose Lake
• Moses Lake
• Stan Coffin Lake

King County

• Green Lake (King County)

Kittitas County

• McCabe Pond

Klickitat County

• Lake Umatilla

Lewis County

• Swofford Pond

Lincoln County

• Sprague Lake

Okanogan County

• Washburn Island Pond
• Whitestone Lake

Skagit County

• Lake Campbell

Snohomish County

• Gissberg Ponds (North)

Spokane County

• Bear Lake (Spokane County)
• Liberty Lake

Stevens County

• Lake Spokane

Thurston County

• Chambers Lake
• Lake Lawrence
• Lake St. Clair

Whatcom County

• Lake Fazon
• Lake Terrell

Yakima County

• I-82 Pond 1
• I-82 Pond 2
• I-82 Pond 3
• I-82 Pond 4
• I-82 Pond 6 (Buena Pond)
• Reflection Pond (Yakima County)
• Rotary Lake

How to fish for channel catfish

Fishing prospects calendar

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in June and July. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.

"Adult channel cats are known to forage on an incredible variety of food organisms, including frogs, crawfish, clams, snails, worms, pond weeds, seeds, snakes and birds, in addition to the more traditional forage of fish and insects. As with the other catfish, feeding activity is generally greatest at night, but this species seems to rely more on sight than bullheads do. It is not unusual for bass anglers to catch channel catfish on diving plugs, spinners, plastic lures, and even surface lures.

The best technique for targeting channel catfish is fishing any number of smelly baits right on or near the bottom. The excellent olfactory sense of catfish makes baits with a strong odor very effective. Popular baits include worms, liver (chicken or beef), hotdogs, shrimp, cut bait (usually an oily fish like herring), and manufactured or homemade stinkbaits/doughbaits. Because fancy lures are not required, catfishing is relatively easy, inexpensive and does not require specialized equipment. All you need is a hook, a weight, and something to attract these scent-driven predators. Catfish make excellent table fare and many anglers consider catfish taken from cool, clean water to be the ultimate in piscatorial cuisine.

State record

Weight 37.70 lbs Angler Cole Abshere Method Hook Location Lake Terrell, Whatcom County Date Caught August 20, 2019

See all sportfish records

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