Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Channel catfish are not a classic fly rod fish, but they do eat flies, and sight fishing for them in clear, shallow water can be a lot of fun.
- 25States
- 102River guides
- Summer eveningsBest time
Where to find channel catfish
Darker states have more channel catfish river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most channel catfish rivers
- Montana35 rivers
- Kansas7 rivers
- Maryland7 rivers
- West Virginia6 rivers
- Minnesota5 rivers
- Wisconsin4 rivers
- Kentucky3 rivers
- Nebraska3 rivers
Top rivers for channel catfish
Fly fishing for channel catfish
Channel catfish are the most widespread catfish in the US, found in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds in nearly every state. They are native to the central US and have been stocked widely elsewhere.
Most channel cats are 2 to 10 pounds, and fish over 20 pounds are possible. They feed by smell and taste, but they also hunt by sight and will chase crayfish, baitfish and insects, especially in clear water.
Fly fishing for channel cats is a niche, but it works. Anglers catch them sight fishing shallow flats and river edges, swinging streamers in rivers and fishing below dams. They fight hard and can surprise anglers fishing for carp or bass.
How to identify channel catfish
Channel catfish have a deeply forked tail, a slender gray to olive body and often scattered dark spots, especially on younger fish. The anal fin has a rounded edge. Blue catfish also have a forked tail but a straight-edged anal fin and no spots.
How to catch channel catfish
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Fish the bottom
Channel cats feed low. Use weighted flies that reach the bottom and crawl them slowly.
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Look for clear water
Fly fishing works best where you can see fish in clear, shallow water.
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Try below dams
Channel catfish often gather below dams and in tailraces, where they chase baitfish.
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Use a 6- to 8-weight
A 6- to 8-weight rod handles most channel cats. Use 10- to 15-pound tippet.
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Watch the spines
Catfish have sharp spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Hold them carefully behind the head.
Find channel catfish water near you.
- Fishability score for every river near you, updated live
- Live flows and water temps for the rivers you fish
- Hatch timing for your watershed
Channel catfish FAQ
Can you catch channel catfish on a fly?
Yes. Channel cats eat crayfish, leech and baitfish flies, especially when you can sight fish them in clear water.
What flies work for channel catfish?
Weighted crayfish patterns, dark Woolly Buggers, leeches and small baitfish streamers work well.
What size fly rod for catfish?
A 6- to 8-weight rod is good for channel cats. Use a heavier rod for big fish or strong current.
When are channel catfish most active?
They are most active in warm months, especially in the evening, at night and after rain.
How do I tell a channel catfish from a blue catfish?
Channel cats often have dark spots and a rounded anal fin. Blue cats have no spots and a straight-edged anal fin.
Do catfish sting?
Catfish have sharp spines in their fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. Handle them carefully.
