White Catfish Fishing Guide

The white catfish (Ameiurus catus) is native to Atlantic coast rivers from the Delaware to the St. Johns in Florida, occupying the brackish tidal rivers and estuaries where few other catfish species occur. It is smaller than blue or channel catfish — rarely exceeding 15 pounds — but supports important recreational fisheries in its native range and in California's Central Valley reservoirs where it was widely introduced in the mid-20th century. White catfish have a moderately forked tail (more forked than brown bullhead, less than channel catfish) that is useful for identification. They are more tolerant of salinity than other North American catfish and are regularly caught in mildly brackish water in tidal rivers. California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta supports one of the largest white catfish fisheries in the country.

White Catfish is a freshwater species.

Habitat

Tidal rivers, estuaries, and reservoirs of the Atlantic coastal plain from New Jersey to Florida; widely established in California's Central Valley river system and Delta. Prefers slow to moderate current over soft to hard substrate, tolerating salinity levels that exclude most freshwater species — a key niche separation from channel catfish.

Diet

Omnivorous, consuming small fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and organic material. Responds well to cut fish, nightcrawlers, and shrimp — somewhat less attracted to prepared stink baits than channel catfish.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 2 lbs. World record: 22 lbs (William Land Park Pond, California, USA (1994)).