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White Catfish

White Catfish

White Catfish are not native to Louisiana waters, as they naturally occur along the Atlantic coastal states from New York to Florida and into some Gulf states.

However, they have been introduced to various waters outside their native range and can occasionally be found in Louisiana's freshwater systems.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus catus

Physical Characteristics:
  • White Catfish are the smallest of the North American catfish species with forked tails, typically weighing 1-10 pounds and reaching 10-18 inches, though some can grow up to 37 inches.
  • They're distinguished by their gray coloration with white bellies, broad heads with eight barbels, and moderately forked tail fins with 19-23 anal fin rays.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer sluggish, warm waters with muddy bottoms in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and can tolerate higher salinity levels than other freshwater catfish species.

Key Locations

  • In Louisiana's diverse freshwater systems including Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Maurepas, and various bayous.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in slower-moving waters like reservoirs, lakes, and river backwaters with muddy or sandy bottoms, focusing on areas with woody debris, logs, undercut banks, and submerged vegetation.

White Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Catfish in Louisiana?

Effective baits include nightcrawlers, cut bait, live or dead shrimp, chicken liver, small minnows, crawfish, and even processed baits like dough balls or commercial catfish baits. White Catfish respond well to baits with strong scents due to their excellent chemoreception abilities.

When is the best time to fish for White Catfish in Louisiana?

Best targeted during spring and fall when they're actively feeding, particularly March through June and September through October. Fish deeper waters during winter months and move to shallower feeding areas as water temperatures warm.

How do you catch White Catfish in Louisiana?

White Catfish in Louisiana are best targeted during spring and fall when they're actively feeding, particularly March through June and September through October.

What do White Catfish eat?

These catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders, consuming aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans like crawfish and shrimp, aquatic plants, and various invertebrates.

Where do White Catfish live in Louisiana?

They prefer sluggish, warm waters with muddy bottoms in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and can tolerate higher salinity levels than other freshwater catfish species.

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