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Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are a non-native species introduced to Arizona in 1903, originally from the central drainages of the U. S. to Southern Canada and Northern Mexico. They're now found in most warm water lakes and rivers throughout Arizona.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish display scattered black spots on a silver or gray colored back and sides with a white belly, smooth scaleless skin, four pairs of barbels or 'whiskers,' and a deeply forked tail.
  • Adult channel catfish typically weigh 1-5 pounds (prime eating size) but can exceed 20 pounds, with common lengths around 22 inches and maximum reported lengths up to 52 inches.
  • Males turn darker (often bluish or blue-black) and develop thickened lips and bulging foreheads during breeding season.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit deeper stretches of rivers and prefer clean, well-oxygenated waters including ponds and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Prime Arizona locations include Roosevelt Lake (especially Salt River Inlet, Cougar Point, Wildcat Shoal areas), Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Lower Colorado River, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake, and numerous warm-water reservoirs below 4,000 feet elevation.
  • Arizona populations thrive in major reservoirs and along the Lower Colorado River system.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around submerged timber, rocky areas, drop-offs, and current breaks.

Channel Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include waterdogs, chicken liver, blood bait, shad, hot dogs, minnows, worms, nightcrawlers, shrimp, anchovies, and prepared stink baits.

What flies work for Channel Catfish in Arizona?

Use bead head woolly buggers (size 6 hooks with 3/16" or 5/32" tungsten beads), balanced leeches on Gamakatsu 90-degree jig hooks, and weighted crawfish patterns. Colors that work include olive, chartreuse, black, white, brown, and bright pinks/yellows.

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

Summer months from pre-spawn through early fall are best. Spawning occurs April through June when fishing becomes difficult as males guard nests without feeding.

How do you catch Channel Catfish in Arizona?

Target deeper water during the day and shallow areas with structure at night. In rivers, target swift riffles at night with light tackle. Use bottom fishing techniques.

What do Channel Catfish eat?

As opportunistic omnivores, channel catfish will eat almost anything dead or alive, preferring minnows, crayfish, aquatic insects, invertebrates, small fish, crustaceans, clams, snails, and even small mammals.

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