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Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
15–24 inches
Typical Length
2–8 lbs
Typical Weight
Year-round (no closed season)
Season Opens
2%
% of MN Lakes
Channel catfish are Minnesota's premier catfish species, found in rivers and larger lakes throughout the state. They're strong fighters with excellent taste, making them popular targets for bottom-fishing anglers.
Habitat
Channel catfish inhabit rivers, reservoirs, and larger lakes with moderate current or wave action. They prefer sand and gravel bottoms near deeper holes, channel edges, and riprap. They're most active at night and in turbid water.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Year-round (no closed season)
Summer nights are prime time for channel cats. Cut bait, stink bait, and nightcrawlers are top presentations. They feed heavily during warm water periods and slow down significantly in winter.
Did You Know?
- Channel catfish have over 100,000 taste buds covering their entire body — they literally taste the water around them.
- Males guard the eggs in cavities and fan them with their tails to keep them oxygenated.
- They can detect food in complete darkness using their barbels (whiskers) and body-wide taste receptors.
Minnesota State Record
38 lbs 0 oz (Mississippi River, 1975)
Lakes with Channel Catfish near you
71 Minnesota lakes have Channel Catfish on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is a gamefish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented channel catfish in 71 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota state record is 38 lbs 0 oz (Mississippi River, 1975).