Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Michigan's most widespread catfish, channel cats are abundant in large rivers like the Saginaw, Grand, and St. Joseph, as well as many lakes and reservoirs. Grow to trophy sizes and are excellent table fare.
Seasonal Activity
Jan
Slow
Feb
Slow
Mar
Slow
Apr
Good
May
Prime
Jun
Prime
Jul
Prime
Aug
Prime
Sep
Prime
Oct
Good
Nov
Slow
Dec
Slow
Best Techniques
- bottom fishing with cut bait
- fishing stinkbait or liver
- drifting in rivers
- night fishing
Top Baits
- cut shad/sucker
- chicken liver
- nightcrawlers
- stinkbait
- shrimp
Michigan state record: 47.50 lb, 1964, Houghton Lake