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Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the only established catfish species in Washington with naturally reproducing populations limited to specific river systems due to Washington's cold water temperatures and lack of suitable spawning habitat.

In most Washington lakes, channel catfish don't reproduce naturally and require regular stocking by WDFW.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Channel catfish have a deeply forked tail, distinguishing them from bullhead catfish which have rounded tails.
  • Juvenile channel cats are light blue to grey with prominent dark spots along the sides that fade as they mature.
  • They can live 15-20 years, grow over 30 inches, and weigh more than 30 pounds.
  • Washington's state record is 37.70 pounds from Lake Terrell.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Naturally reproducing populations are limited to the Snake, Columbia, and lower reaches of the Yakima (Prosser Dam to mouth), Tucannon, and Walla Walla Rivers.
  • They're found in clear fast-moving streams, moderately eutrophic lakes and reservoirs, and commonly below dams.

Key Locations

  • For naturally reproducing populations, target the Columbia River (particularly Lake Umatilla from John Day Dam to McNary Dam and Lake Wallula from McNary Dam to Priest Rapids Dam), Snake River (especially Lake Sacajawea above Ice Harbor Dam and the stretch between Lower Monumental and Little Goose Dams), lower Yakima River (particularly the lowest 10 miles), and lower Walla Walla River near its mouth.
  • For stocked lake fishing, productive waters include Green Lake (King County), Lake Terrell (Whatcom County), Swofford Pond (Lewis County), Roses Lake (Chelan County), Liberty Lake (Spokane County), and Lake St.
  • Clair (Thurston County).

Specific Spots

  • Key productive areas include deep holes, ledges, river confluences, and areas below dam tailraces.
  • They prefer areas with boulders, submerged logs, or deep pools during daylight hours.

Channel Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Channel Catfish in Washington?

Effective baits include worms, chicken or beef liver, hotdogs, shrimp, cut bait (especially oily fish like herring), and manufactured or homemade stinkbaits and doughbaits. While primarily caught on bait, channel catfish occasionally strike diving plugs, spinners, plastic lures, and even surface lures.

When is the best time to fish for Channel Catfish in Washington?

The best fishing occurs from spring through early fall, peaking before the June-July spawning period when fishing should be avoided. Prime time is March through May as pre-spawn fish feed heavily, and again in late summer through early fall. Winter fishing is difficult due to decreased activity in cold water.

How do you catch Channel Catfish in Washington?

Channel catfish are primarily caught using scent-based baits fished on or near the bottom due to their excellent olfactory sense. Night fishing can be productive as they feed actively in shallows after dark, while daytime fishing should target deeper water (15+ feet) where they rest during daylight hours.

What do Channel Catfish eat?

Adult channel cats are opportunistic omnivores with an incredible diet variety including frogs, crawfish, clams, snails, worms, pond weeds, seeds, snakes, birds, fish, insects, and algae.

Where do Channel Catfish live in Washington?

Naturally reproducing populations are limited to the Snake, Columbia, and lower reaches of the Yakima (Prosser Dam to mouth), Tucannon, and Walla Walla Rivers. They're found in clear fast-moving streams, moderately eutrophic lakes and reservoirs, and commonly below dams.

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