FishableWaters

Species

Channel Catfish

On record in 510 waters across 14 states

Channel catfish are the most widely stocked and most forgiving catfish species — they'll live in a farm pond or a major river, they eat almost anything, and they don't require specialized gear to catch. They're also one of the few fish that feed heavily by smell, which is why stink baits and cut bait dominate the tackle box for this species.

Channel Catfish are on record in 510 waters across 14 states, most heavily in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Florida and Washington. FishableWaters tracks every channel catfish stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

Channel Catfish
Duane Raver / USFWS

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Fishing on or near bottom with a simple slip-sinker rig is the standard approach, since channel cats feed close to the bottom the majority of the time. Night fishing tends to produce better in summer heat, when cats move shallow to feed after the sun goes down.

Cut bait, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercial stink baits all work. Prepared dough baits and dip baits are popular for anglers targeting numbers rather than size, since channel cats respond strongly to strong-smelling bait.

Know your fish

Blue-gray to olive body with scattered dark spots, more visible on younger fish, a deeply forked tail, and barbels around the mouth used to locate food by touch and smell in murky water. Adults commonly run 2 to 15 pounds, with larger fish possible in big river systems.

Summer is peak, when warm water speeds up their metabolism and feeding activity. They remain catchable through spring and fall, and some anglers do well fishing deep holes in winter, though the bite slows considerably in cold water.

Freshest channel catfish stockings

Jul 9, 2026Lake VanNM174
Jul 8, 2026Fall Creek FallsTN2,800
Jun 30, 2026Lake VanNM315
Jun 30, 2026Chaparral LakeNM189
Jun 30, 2026Greene LakeNM246
Jun 30, 2026Tree LakeNM133
Jun 30, 2026Blue Hole PondNM133
Jun 30, 2026Perch LakeNM133
Jun 30, 2026Berrendo CreekNM133
Jun 30, 2026Livingston City LakeTN1,070
Jun 30, 2026Green Meadow LakeNM246
Jun 30, 2026Harris LakeNM133
Jun 25, 2026Lake ValenciaAR
Jun 19, 2026Lake BentonvilleAR
Jun 18, 2026Laurel Hill LakeTN5,404

Channel Catfish — FAQ

Where can I catch channel catfish?+

Channel Catfish are stocked across 14 states, led by Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Florida and Washington. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with channel catfish.

What's the best bait for channel catfish?+

Cut bait, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercial stink baits all work. Prepared dough baits and dip baits are popular for anglers targeting numbers rather than size, since channel cats respond strongly to strong-smelling bait.

When is the best time to catch channel catfish?+

Summer is peak, when warm water speeds up their metabolism and feeding activity. They remain catchable through spring and fall, and some anglers do well fishing deep holes in winter, though the bite slows considerably in cold water.

How many waters are stocked with channel catfish?+

510 waters across 14 states hold channel catfish on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.