Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Scattered black spots on a silver or gray colored back and sides with a white belly. Few spots on large adults. Smooth, scaleless skin. 8 barbels or 'whiskers'. Short base on small adipose fin . Deeply forked tail. Anal fin has 24 to 30 rays and is slightly rounded. Length 10 to 39 inches. Weight: 12 ounces to over 15 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Found in most warmwater lakes and rivers. Inhabit deeper stretches of rivers and streams with moderate current. Spawns from April through early June.
Food
Channel catfish will eat almost anything, dead or alive although, they prefer minnows, crayfish, and aquatic insects.
Angling
Effective baits are waterdogs, liver, blood bait, shad, shrimp, anchovies, homemade stink baits, hot dogs, minnows and worms. Contrary to myth, the "whiskers" are harmless to touch and used only to smell, taste and feel as it forages for food. However, the dorsal fin and pectoral fins have a sharp spine which can inflict a painful wound.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, firm, tender and sweet and is considered very good eating.
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