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Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish are Nebraska's largest catfish species, native to the Missouri River system and the Platte River in southwestern Nebraska, though their numbers have been reduced due to habitat alterations.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Capable of reaching up to 165 cm in length and weights exceeding 100 pounds.
  • Can be distinguished from channel catfish by their straight-edged anal fin (versus curved on channel cats) and typically lack the dark spots found on young channel catfish.
  • They have a bluish-silver coloration with a deeply forked tail and are scaleless with 8 barbels used for locating food through taste and smell.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the Missouri River system and the Platte River in southwestern Nebraska.
  • Found primarily in the Missouri River.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River, Platte River, and select reservoirs in eastern and central Nebraska.
  • Have been stocked in a few reservoirs in eastern and central Nebraska, including the Platte River system.

Specific Spots

  • Winter: focus on deep water (30-45 feet) along outside river bends with mud bottoms near submerged cover like stumps and laydowns.
  • Spring: target 15-30 feet along rocky channel banks and creek mouths.
  • Target areas with swift current and deep holes, particularly below dams, outside channel bends, and areas with hard bottom structure.

Blue Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Fresh cut shad, skipjack herring, live shad, nightcrawlers, and prepared stink baits. Cut skipjack herring or gizzard shad.

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

Winter months (December-March) for trophy specimens, late spring (March-May) for both numbers and size. Summer fishing can be productive but avoid the spawn period when water reaches 70-82°F.

How do you catch Blue Catfish in Nebraska?

Most productive during winter months (December-March) for trophy specimens, with excellent action in late spring (March-May) for both numbers and size. Focus fishing efforts during stable weather periods, as rapid temperature changes can scatter fish and make them difficult to pattern.

What do Blue Catfish eat?

Opportunistic predators that primarily feed on live fish (especially gizzard shad, skipjack herring, and other baitfish), freshwater mussels, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Smaller blue cats under 4 inches feed on zooplankton and aquatic insects, while larger fish become top predators consuming whole fish.

Where do Blue Catfish live in Nebraska?

Native to the Missouri River system and the Platte River in southwestern Nebraska. Found primarily in the Missouri River.

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