Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
The largest catfish species in North America, blue cats routinely exceed 50 pounds and have been caught over 140 pounds. Found in major river systems across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, they have expanded dramatically into Chesapeake Bay tributaries and tidal rivers. Blue catfish are the ultimate trophy freshwater fish for anglers seeking sheer size and power.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- anchored bottom fishing
- drifting cut bait
- santee rigging
- jugline fishing
- trolling
Top Baits
- cut shad
- live shad
- cut herring
- chicken liver
- fresh bluegill chunks
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Blue Catfish, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Alabama 1 zone
No size or bag limit statewide for blue catfish.
Effective 2025 · Source: outdooralabama.com
Arkansas 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: agfc.com
Delaware 1 zone
No minimum size. 15 per day. Blue catfish are expanding in the Nanticoke River and other tidal waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov
Georgia 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 50.
Effective 2025 · Source: georgiawildlife.com
Iowa 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: iowadnr.gov
Kansas 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: ksoutdoors.com
Kentucky 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 15 with channel catfish.
Effective 2025 · Source: fw.ky.gov
Louisiana 1 zone
No minimum size. Combined catfish daily bag limit of 100.
Effective 2025 · Source: wlf.louisiana.gov
Maryland 1 zone
Invasive species in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. No minimum size. Anglers encouraged to harvest.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov
Mississippi 1 zone
Combined catfish daily limit. Blue catfish common in Mississippi River, Ross Barnett Reservoir, and major rivers.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdwfp.com
Missouri 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdc.mo.gov
North Carolina 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: ncwildlife.org
Oklahoma 1 zone
Combined catfish limit of 15. Blue catfish are trophy fish in many Oklahoma lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlifedepartment.com
South Carolina 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.sc.gov
Tennessee 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 15.
Effective 2025 · Source: tn.gov
Texas 1 zone
Minimum length 12 inches. Combined daily bag of 25 with channel catfish.
Effective 2025 · Source: tpwd.texas.gov
Virginia 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 20. Abundant in tidal rivers.
Effective 2025 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov
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