White Catfish
White Catfish are a medium-sized catfish species native to Pennsylvania's Susquehanna and Delaware river systems, though they've also been introduced to the Ohio River watershed.
They're Pennsylvania's most salt-tolerant catfish, capable of surviving in brackish waters.
They're omnivorous feeders and opportunistic bottom feeders that use their eight barbels equipped with taste receptors to locate food in murky water and low-light conditions.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus catus
- Growing to a maximum of 24 inches, they're distinguished by their bluish-gray backs and white undersides, with a dusky black adipose fin and white or yellow chin barbels.
- Unlike other catfish, they lack the dark blotch at the dorsal fin base and have a moderately forked tail with 19-23 anal fin rays.
Fishing in Pennsylvania
Susquehanna River
Conodoguinet Creek
Yellow Breeches Creek
Juniata River
Lake Marburg
Monocacy River
Raystown Lake
Swatara Creek
Codorus Creek
Penns Creek
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer sluggish waters with muddy bottoms in larger river systems and lakes, often inhabiting slow-moving sections of rivers and streams, ponds, and reservoirs.
- Since White Catfish are most tolerant of saltwater among catfish species, don't overlook brackish areas where available.
Key Locations
- Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County (known for channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads), Francis Slocum State Park in Luzerne County, and the Schuylkill River system.
- They've been stocked in various lakes and impoundments throughout the state including Raystown Lake and Francis Slocum State Park.
Specific Spots
- Look for sluggish waters with muddy bottoms, particularly in slow-moving river sections, backwaters, and areas with abundant vegetation and debris like logs and stumps.
- Target bottom structure including holes below long runs, submerged brush and timber on river bends, and tributary mouths.
White Catfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for White Catfish in Pennsylvania?
White Catfish respond well to smelly options including nightcrawlers, chicken livers, cut baitfish, shrimp, crickets, and even processed stinkbaits.
When is the best time to fish for White Catfish in Pennsylvania?
Best during summer months, late spring through early fall, avoiding the June-July spawning period.
How do you catch White Catfish in Pennsylvania?
Use a sliding sinker rig, which allows catfish to take bait without feeling the sinker's weight. Fish near light sources at night, as catfish will hunt smaller fish attracted to the illumination.
What do White Catfish eat?
Their diet consists primarily of insects, crustaceans, smaller fish, aquatic plants, and benthic invertebrates.
Where do White Catfish live in Pennsylvania?
They prefer sluggish waters with muddy bottoms in larger river systems and lakes, often inhabiting slow-moving sections of rivers and streams, ponds, and reservoirs. Since White Catfish are most tolerant of saltwater among catfish species, don't overlook brackish areas where available.
Fish smarter with real-time insights
Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you White Catfish.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every White Catfish water
Pick White Catfish and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch White Catfish
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where White Catfish are.
Open the map, filter by White Catfish, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Pennsylvania licenses and regulations
Explore nearby waters
Explore Pennsylvania waters
Top fishing waters
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.