Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish are an introduced species in Connecticut, not native to the state's Atlantic coastal waters. They're the state's largest catfish species.
These fish are opportunistic omnivores with an extraordinary sense of smell and taste - their entire body surface contains approximately 175,000 external taste buds, with barbels having up to 25 taste buds per square millimeter.
They can detect scents from 15 feet away or more.
Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus
- Commonly reaching 12-20 inches with the Connecticut state record being a 29.4-pound, 37.5-inch albino caught from Mashapaug Lake in 2004.
- They're distinguishable from white catfish by their deeply forked tail, longer anal fin (25-29 rays), smaller head and mouth, and dark chin barbels.
- Juveniles display several black spots on their sides which fade with age.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Connecticut, they've become common to abundant over the past 20 years in the Connecticut River, likely displacing white catfish and brown bullheads.
- Individuals occasionally found in lakes and ponds statewide.
- They can survive in lakes and ponds though they prefer rivers and larger streams.
Key Locations
- The largest self-sustaining population thrives throughout the Connecticut River.
- A smaller population exists in the lower Housatonic River.
- Connecticut's Community Fishing Waters like Mohegan Park Pond (Norwich), Batterson Park Pond (Farmington), and others are regularly stocked with 14-18 inch catfish.
- Target the Connecticut River system for the most consistent action.
Specific Spots
- Target around current breaks, deeper holes, and areas with cover.
- In lakes, focus on deeper flats around 18 feet and areas with timber structure.
Channel Catfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Channel Catfish in Connecticut?
Use nightcrawlers, live minnows, cut chunks of fish, or chicken livers. For larger catfish, use bigger baits like 2x2-inch chunks of yellow perch, bluegill, or other cut bait. Channel catfish are more active predators than other Connecticut catfishes and will occasionally take artificial lures.
What flies work for Channel Catfish in Connecticut?
Use weighted woolly buggers (sizes 6 with 3/16" tungsten beads), balanced leeches on jig hooks, crawfish patterns, and clousers in black, olive, chartreuse, white, or brown.
When is the best time to fish for Channel Catfish in Connecticut?
The best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are stable and warm. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (late spring when water hits 72-73°F).
How do you catch Channel Catfish in Connecticut?
For bait fishing, fish on or near the bottom. For fly fishing, use strip-and-pause retrieves along banks and structure. Fish patterns near bottom.
Where do Channel Catfish live in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, they've become common to abundant over the past 20 years in the Connecticut River, likely displacing white catfish and brown bullheads. Individuals occasionally found in lakes and ponds statewide. They can survive in lakes and ponds though they prefer rivers and larger streams.
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