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Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are one of the more popular types of catfish.  If you live in the lower portion of the state, you will more than likely spot one of these catfish when you go fishing.  Wisconsin channel catfish sometimes get mistaken for blue catfish so, when you are fishing for catfish, make sure you check the markings.  Channel catfish seem to be very abundant round the Wisconsin River and the Castle Rock Dam.  This type of channel catfish will pretty much eat anything that comes their way so it is somewhat easy to catch one. 

Video of Catfish in Lake Petenwell

Name: Channel Catfish
Scientific name: Ctalurus punctatus
Family: Ictaluridae
General description: blueish-black color, 8 barbels, narrow head, forked tail, up to 60lbs, whiskers around mouth, average length:12-20in
Habitat: rivers, lakes, and ponds, cloudy water,
Spawning/Sexual Maturity: sexual maturity-4-5 years old, june and july, 3,000-30,000 eggs, water 75 degrees F,
Diet: anything that comes their way, plant and fish matter floating in water, garbage, etc.
Life expectancy: up to 20 years
Predators: large freshwater fish, mainly flathead catfish and muskies, humans
Known hotspots: lower 2/3 of state, larger rivers, Wisconsin river as far up as Castle Rock Dam-both counties.
Popular baits: catching by hand(grabbing), trot lines and hoop nets-don’t like artificial bait.
Fishing Tournaments:
State Record: 44lbs, Wisconsin River, 1962
World Record: 58lbs, Santee-Cooper Res., South Carolina, July 7, 1964
Extra facts: male protects young until they can feed on their own, more abundant than flathead catfish, often get mistaken for blue catfish, most commonly raised aquaculture species in US.

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