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Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish are not native to Arizona but have been documented in the state since 1973, with occurrences in the Imperial Reservoir and Upper San Pedro drainages. These large catfish make them the largest catfish species in North America.

Arizona reports that blue catfish were stocked in a private pond in 1981 but have never been officially stocked in public waters, though they exist in extremely low numbers in the Colorado River system.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These large catfish can reach up to 165 cm in length and weigh over 100 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer open waters of large reservoirs and main river channels with strong current where water is normally turbid, thriving over substrates ranging from gravel and sand to silt and mud.

Key Locations

  • Colorado River system and Imperial Reservoir area, Imperial Reservoir and Upper San Pedro drainages.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep water areas (20-45 feet) along outside river channel bends with submerged cover like stumps, laydown logs, and large rocks over mud bottoms, which hold heat better than other substrates.
  • In winter, fish steep banks with rapid drops into deep water.
  • Blue catfish often suspend in deep water beneath schools of shad, so fish the bottom below baitfish activity.

Blue Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Blue Catfish in Arizona?

The most effective baits are cut skipjack herring, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and live baitfish 6-8 inches long.

When is the best time to fish for Blue Catfish in Arizona?

The best fishing occurs during cooler months, particularly December through March for trophy-sized fish, and late March through mid-April for numbers. Avoid fishing during spawning season (April-June when water reaches 70-84°F).

How do you catch Blue Catfish in Arizona?

Use heavy-duty bottom fishing tackle. During warmer periods, try night fishing using bell sinkers with live shad on 2-3 foot leaders above the weight, allowing the bait to swim in circles. In flowing water, use sufficient weight (up to 8 ounces) to maintain bottom contact in current.

What do Blue Catfish eat?

Blue catfish are opportunistic omnivores with diets that change as they mature - smaller fish under 100mm eat primarily small invertebrates, while larger individuals (290mm+) consume mostly fish and larger invertebrates including crayfish, fingernail clams, freshwater mussels, and various fish species like shad.

Where do Blue Catfish live in Arizona?

They prefer open waters of large reservoirs and main river channels with strong current where water is normally turbid, thriving over substrates ranging from gravel and sand to silt and mud.

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