Blue Catfish fishing

Ictalurus furcatus

About Blue Catfish

The biggest US catfish, a powerful open-water bottom hunter of big rivers and reservoirs. Drifting fresh cut shad across a flat or a channel edge covers far more ground than sitting on an anchor and finds the active fish. Winter is not the off season for it, the coldest months put the largest ones on deep river channels. Anything over twenty kilos is worth photographing in the water and letting go, the big ones are the breeders.

Typical size: Often 3-20 kg, big fish over 30 kg. Record (approx.): ≈ 64 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Jun-Aug

Best time

Dusk, night

Habitat

River, Lake

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Deadbait Set a whole or half baitfish on the bottom or under a float. Deadly for pike in winter and for burbot and eel at night. Check price on Amazon

Ledger bait Fish the bait still on the bottom with a sinker. Common for bottom feeders; watch the rod tip for gentle bites. Check price on Amazon

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Waters where Blue Catfish bites

Lake Marion South Carolina Lake Moultrie South Carolina

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Find waters where Blue Catfish is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Blue Catfish?

Blue Catfish fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows in the day are usually dusk, night.

What lures and baits work for Blue Catfish?

Effective methods for Blue Catfish include Deadbait and Ledger bait.

Where can you catch Blue Catfish?

Blue Catfish is most often found in river, lake. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.