Blue catfish

Ictalurus furcatus · Fresh

Largest North American catfish, heavy and strong; has venomous spines on dorsal and pectoral fins.

Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Facts

Best months	JFMAMJJASOND Apr–Oct. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator.
Feeds	At night
Water temp	18–28 °C
Typical size	45–90 cm · record about 165 cm
Diet	Fish, crustaceans
Regions	North America

Sensitive to the moon: favour the major solunar periods.

Tide matters little for this species.

Sensitive to pressure: fish a steady or slowly falling barometer.

Catching tip. Fresh cut shad or live bait in deep holes; handle carefully.

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