Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish are a non-native species in Idaho, present in limited numbers in specific water bodies since the 1980s.
These massive catfish can reach lengths up to 165 cm (65 inches) and weights exceeding 143 pounds, making them North America's largest catfish species.
Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus
- These massive catfish can reach lengths up to 165 cm (65 inches) and weights exceeding 143 pounds, making them North America's largest catfish species.
Fishing in Idaho
Boise River
Snake River
Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Middle Fork Boise River
Owyhee River
North Fork Payette River
South Fork Payette River
Malheur River
Willow Creek
Lucky Peak Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer deep river channels, large lakes, and reservoirs with strong currents and substantial cover.
Key Locations
- In Idaho, Blue Catfish have been documented in Bear Lake, Brownlee Reservoir, C.J.
- Strike Reservoir, Lake Walcott, and the Upper Snake-Rock region from 1985-2022.
Specific Spots
- Prime locations include areas below dams, tributary confluences, and deep holes with strong current flow.
Blue Catfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Blue Catfish in Idaho?
Fresh cut bait is most effective, particularly cut skipjack herring, shad, or sucker. Dough baits.
When is the best time to fish for Blue Catfish in Idaho?
Blue Catfish fishing in Idaho is best from late March through May for pre-spawn feeding activity, and again from mid-June through August when post-spawn fish are actively feeding to regain lost body weight.
How do you catch Blue Catfish in Idaho?
Fish baits on the bottom and let them soak, as Blue Catfish rely heavily on scent to locate food. In fast current, use heavier sinkers to maintain bottom contact, and consider multiple rod setups to cover different depths and locations simultaneously.
What do Blue Catfish eat?
Blue Catfish are opportunistic predators with an incredibly broad diet including shad, skipjack herring, crayfish, freshwater mussels, other fish (including smaller catfish), and even plant material and detritus.
Where do Blue Catfish live in Idaho?
They prefer deep river channels, large lakes, and reservoirs with strong currents and substantial cover.
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