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Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish are Georgia's largest freshwater fish species, capable of reaching over 100 pounds with the current state record being 110 pounds and 6 ounces caught from the Chattahoochee River in 2020.

Native only to the Coosa River drainage in northwest Georgia, they have been widely introduced throughout the state and now inhabit the Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Satilla, and Savannah River basins.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished from channel catfish by their straight-edged anal fin (versus curved), lack of spots, deeply forked tail, and higher anal fin ray count (30-36 rays).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit large rivers and reservoirs throughout the Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Satilla, and Savannah River basins.

Key Locations

  • Prime Georgia locations include the Altamaha River (especially around the Oconee/Ocmulgee confluence and near Paradise Park), Chattahoochee River (West Point Lake and tailwater areas), Lake Oconee, Lake Seminole, and Clarks Hill Lake.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deep channels, holes, and areas relating to structure like submerged timber, rock piles, and bridge pilings.

Blue Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Fresh cut bait including shad, herring, and bluegill - cut into 4-6 inch pieces or 1-inch chunks for current fishing. Live bait such as shad, herring, and large shiners also work well. During winter, cut skipjack herring is effective.

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

The best fishing for blue catfish in Georgia occurs from March through May and again in fall (September-October), with winter offering excellent trophy opportunities when fish concentrate in deeper areas. Avoid fishing during spawning season (April-June) when success rates drop significantly.

How do you catch Blue Catfish in Georgia?

Fish with Carolina rigs positioning baits near bottom structure. In reservoirs, focus on deep channels, submerged timber, and points near creek mouths.

What do Blue Catfish eat?

Blue catfish are omnivorous opportunistic feeders with seasonal diet variations - in Lake Oconee studies, Asian clams dominated their diet during summer (75%) and fall (66-68%), while mayflies became important in winter (12-30%) and spring (30%), and crappie peaked as prey during spring spawning (38% in upper lake...

Where do Blue Catfish live in Georgia?

They inhabit large rivers and reservoirs throughout the Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Satilla, and Savannah River basins.

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