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Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish are native to Wyoming's eastern waters, historically found in Montana and Wyoming but not west of the Rocky Mountains.

These fish are opportunistic omnivores with taste receptors covering their entire body, allowing them to locate food in murky waters from considerable distances.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Channel catfish in Wyoming typically range from 13-20 inches, though specimens over 30 inches are possible.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit the Missouri River basin, North Platte River system, and Belle Fourche River watershed.

Key Locations

  • Sloans Lake and Minnehaha in Cheyenne, Rock Lake and Festo Lake near Wheatland, Kinnear Pond, Glendo Reservoir, and the Green River system including Jim Bridger Pond and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
  • Found in reservoirs like Glendo, Keyhole, and community fishing ponds, as well as rivers including the North Platte, Green River, and Belle Fourche River systems.

Specific Spots

  • Fish near bottom structure, current breaks, deeper pools, and behind current breaks in rivers.
  • In reservoirs, target rip rap, water control gates, standing timber, and areas with roosting birds.

Channel Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Punch baits (CJ's Catfish Punch Bait, Sudden Impact Fiber Bait), chicken livers, nightcrawlers, cut bait, and commercial stink baits.

What flies work for Channel Catfish in Wyoming?

White bucktail streamers (especially when catfish are feeding on shad), woolly buggers in white, gray, olive, brown, or black, yellow or silver boa yarn leeches, weighted nymphs, and foam poppers for night fishing. Beadhead patterns in tan or rust colors imitate crayfish.

How do you catch Channel Catfish in Wyoming?

Fish slip sinker rigs in deeper water or slip bobber rigs in shallow water (5 feet or less). Night fishing can be productive, especially in summer, but daytime fishing works well in cooler months.

What do Channel Catfish eat?

As juveniles, they feed on benthic material, zooplankton, and aquatic invertebrates. Adult channel cats consume aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish like minnows, terrestrial insects, and even small mammals and birds. Once they reach 18 inches, fish comprise 75% of their diet.

Where do Channel Catfish live in Wyoming?

Inhabit the Missouri River basin, North Platte River system, and Belle Fourche River watershed.

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