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Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish are both a challenging sport fish and excellent table fare. Colorado has produced cats larger than 30 pounds.

These fish are essentially swimming taste buds with approximately 175,000 external taste buds covering their body and 20,000 internal ones, allowing them to detect amino acids at concentrations as low as 1 part per 100 million.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Channel Catfish in Colorado are gray to silver on their back and sides with distinctive black spots, though larger fish often lack spots and appear dark olive or slate colored.
  • They have white bellies, forked tails, long barbels (whiskers) around their mouth, and an adipose fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to eastern Colorado, they've been extensively stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
  • They inhabit diverse waters from small ponds to major reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Prime Colorado waters include Chatfield Reservoir (Littleton), Cherry Creek Reservoir (Aurora), and numerous other Front Range reservoirs and eastern plains waters.
  • Urban waters like Denver-area ponds and reservoirs can produce surprising results, with some park ponds yielding fish over 20 pounds.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure-rich areas including dam riprap, creek channel edges, deeper holes, submerged timber, and inlet areas where tributaries enter main lakes.
  • Prefer areas with structure like riprap, creek channels, deeper holes, and submerged timber.

Channel Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits include fresh cut bluegill, perch, or shad; live bait like nightcrawlers and bluegills; stink baits and cheese dip baits (particularly effective in warm water); chicken liver; and even unconventional options like hot dogs and raw bacon.

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

Most productive from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months when water temperatures are warmest. Channel Catfish spawn from late May through July when water temperatures reach 68-74°F, with males guarding nests for 2-3 weeks without feeding - making this period less productive for...

How do you catch Channel Catfish in Colorado?

Use Carolina rigs with minimal weight to avoid spooking fish, or slip bobber rigs in shallow water (5 feet or less). Key technique involves suspending bait 3-5 feet off bottom under a visible float. Move locations every 15-20 minutes if not catching fish, as active fish will bite quickly.

What do Channel Catfish eat?

Channel Catfish are omnivorous opportunists, feeding on everything from aquatic insects like midges, mayflies, and caddisflies to fish (bluegills, shad, minnows), crustaceans, mollusks, frogs, and even small mammals.

Where do Channel Catfish live in Colorado?

Native to eastern Colorado, they've been extensively stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state. They inhabit diverse waters from small ponds to major reservoirs.

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