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Photo of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Photo: Public domain — USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Wikimedia Commons

Freshwater

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

A reliable summer-evening target — most active after dark and willing to hit strong-smelling bait.

Size

No min · avg 2–10 lb, larger possible

Season

Summer nights

Difficulty

Habitat

Deeper, slower water near drop-offs and inlets in lakes and reservoirs.

Best lures & bait

Cut mackerel or anchovy
Chicken liver
Prepared stink bait

How to catch them

Bottom-fish at night using a sliding sinker rig near a drop-off
Fish near inlets or points where current concentrates scent

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