RIVER FISH · Pools & river bottoms
Channel catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
A smooth-skinned catfish with sensory barbels and a deeply forked tail. Its fin spines deserve careful handling.
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Meet the fish
- Habitat
- A range of waters, including moderate-current pools and runs with cover.
- On the menu
- An adaptable diet including fish, crustaceans, amphibians and plant material.
- Size context
- Virginia DWR reports mature fish averaging about 20 inches in Virginia, with larger fish possible.
- Range & local context
- Occurs across many waterbodies. Within Virginia, it is native to southwestern drainages and introduced in other watersheds; local native status needs a local source.
Living with the river
Water & habitat
Pool depth, shelter and the river bottom matter alongside current. Neither muddy-looking water nor a high flow reading is a reliable fishing forecast.
Seasonal life
Spawning uses concealed cavities. Males tend the eggs, including fanning water over them.
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Before you go
Channel catfish is a specific species. We do not automatically turn a general 'catfish' listing into a channel catfish record.
Use the linked agencies and the relevant river guide for current regulations, closures and consumption advisories. A species profile is not a fishing license or a statement that harvest is allowed.
Editorial review: . Regional size examples are labeled; maximum lengths are not typical sizes.
More river fish
Keep exploring species connected to the same river-guide network.