All About Channel Catfish

Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book

Fishing Regulations

link to Commonwealth regs?

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

Interactive Maps

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