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White Catfish

White Catfish

White Catfish are the smallest of North Carolina's large catfish species and are native fish that inhabit both fresh and brackish waters throughout North Carolina's Atlantic coastal region.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus catus

Physical Characteristics:
  • White Catfish are distinguished by their white chin barbels, forked tail with rounded lobes, and broad head relative to body size.
  • They typically reach 13 inches on average but can grow up to 24 inches and 15+ pounds, though most weigh under 6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These native fish inhabit both fresh and brackish waters throughout North Carolina's Atlantic coastal region, thriving in sluggish, mud-bottomed pools in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds with salinity up to 5 percent.

Key Locations

  • They're found in major river systems including the Cape Fear, Roanoke, Tar, Neuse, and Yadkin rivers, as well as lakes like Mattamuskeet, Sutton, and Waccamaw.
  • Popular locations include eastern North Carolina lakes like Phelps, Mattamuskeet, Sutton, and Waccamaw, as well as river systems throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Fish near prime holding areas including outside bends of rivers, deep holes adjacent to gravel bars, creek mouths, underwater mounds, and areas with submerged logs or brush.

White Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include nightcrawlers, chicken livers, shrimp, cheese, small cutbait, blood baits, bread or dough balls, and fresh dead bait. Fish can also be taken on jigs and occasionally on spinners or minnow-imitation lures.

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

White Catfish fishing peaks from August through October when they're most active, with good action continuing through November and December. They can be caught year-round but show poor activity during winter months (January-March).

How do you catch White Catfish in North Carolina?

Effective methods include still fishing, drift fishing, and spin casting. Use bottom fishing techniques with Carolina rigs. In North Carolina's tidal waters, fish during the hour before or after low or high tides for best results.

What do White Catfish eat?

White Catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish, crustaceans, frogs, mollusks, and plant matter, feeding primarily at night using sensory barbels to locate prey.

Where do White Catfish live in North Carolina?

These native fish inhabit both fresh and brackish waters throughout North Carolina's Atlantic coastal region, thriving in sluggish, mud-bottomed pools in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds with salinity up to 5 percent.

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