Channel catfish

Ictalurus punctatus · Fresh

Widespread forked-tail catfish of rivers and lakes; has sharp pectoral spines.

Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Facts

Best months	JFMAMJJASOND May–Sep. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator.
Feeds	At night
Water temp	20–30 °C
Typical size	35–60 cm · record about 130 cm
Diet	Insects, fish, crayfish, anything
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. Cut bait or stink baits on the bottom at night; handle carefully.

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