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Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are North America's largest catfish species and an invasive species in Maryland waters.

Originally native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river basins, they were introduced to Virginia's tributaries in the 1970s for recreational fishing and have since spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These massive fish can exceed 100 pounds, with Maryland's state record standing at 84 pounds caught on the Potomac River in 2012.
  • Blue catfish are distinguished by their slate blue back fading to silver-white belly, deeply forked tail, smooth scaleless skin, and four pairs of black barbels around their mouth, with 30-35 anal fin rays.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Blue catfish now inhabit every major tidal river feeding into the Chesapeake Bay, including the Potomac, Patuxent, Susquehanna, Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico, Middle, Magothy, and Chester rivers.
  • They prefer large rivers with deep channels, swift currents, and sandy or muddy bottoms, though they're highly adaptable to various habitats, allowing them to spread throughout the Bay's estuarine system.

Key Locations

  • Prime Maryland locations include the tidal Potomac below Wilson Bridge, Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace near the railroad bridge, Patuxent River at Benedict Bridge and Jug Bay area, Nanticoke River around Sharptown and Marshyhope Creek, Choptank River from Dover Bridge to Denton, and Wicomico River below Salisbury.

Specific Spots

  • Target blue catfish in deep water, typically 30-50+ feet, especially around channel edges, outside bends of rivers, drop-offs adjacent to high banks, and structure like submerged logs, rocks, and creek mouths.

Blue Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Fresh cut bait is most effective, including menhaden, gizzard shad, white perch, bluegill, skipjack herring, and eel. Live bait like shad and herring works exceptionally well for trophy fish over 60 pounds. Prepared baits with strong scents, chicken liver, and wild shrimp also produce results.

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

Blue catfish fishing is excellent year-round in Maryland, with peak seasons being late March through May for pre-spawn feeding and mid-June through August for post-spawn activity. Winter months (December-March) offer exceptional trophy fishing opportunities as fish concentrate in deeper waters.

How do you catch Blue Catfish in Maryland?

For terminal tackle, employ Carolina rigs with 3-8 ounce sliding sinkers (pyramid or e.g.g style), three-way swivel rigs, or fish-finder rigs. A 2-inch slit cork float positioned 24 inches from the hook helps keep bait off the bottom, and adding rattles ahead of the hook can attract fish.

What do Blue Catfish eat?

Blue catfish are voracious opportunistic predators that consume 2-5% of their body weight daily during peak feeding season, with unlimited food availability allowing consumption of 8-9% of body weight.

Where do Blue Catfish live in Maryland?

Blue catfish now inhabit every major tidal river feeding into the Chesapeake Bay, including the Potomac, Patuxent, Susquehanna, Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico, Middle, Magothy, and Chester rivers.

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