Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is a large North American catfish native to big rivers and reservoirs, often reaching trophy size. It is an opportunistic bottom feeder and can be invasive outside its native range.
Identification points
- Slate blue to bluish-gray back and sides with a pale white belly
- Four pairs of barbels, with no mottling on the body
- Straight-edged, slightly notched anal fin with 30 or more rays
Habitat
Deep main-river channels, confluences, reservoir basins, tailraces, and holes with current; often near submerged structure, ledges, and soft bottoms.
Bait notes
Fresh cut bait is top choice, especially shad, herring, bluegill, skipjack, or other oily baitfish where legal. Prepared stink baits, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers also catch smaller fish, but big blues usually favor cut fish.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and benthic, foraging by smell and taste on fish, crayfish, mussels, and carrion. Larger fish often hold in deeper water by day and move shallow or into current to feed at dusk, night, and during rising flows.
Caution
Spines on the pectoral and dorsal fins are sharp and can puncture deeply; handle carefully. Large individuals may accumulate contaminants such as PCBs or mercury in some waters, so follow local fish-consumption advisories.
Fishing notes
Fish rigs on the bottom with enough sinker to hold in current, using circle hooks and strong tackle. Target channel swings, holes, current seams, and below dams; drift or anchor depending on flow. After hookups, keep steady pressure to prevent the fish from boring into cover.