Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Blue catfish are large North American catfish that inhabit big rivers, reservoirs, and deep channels. They are opportunistic predators and scavengers, often feeding on shad, herring, and other fish, and are a popular target where populations are established.
Identification points
- Smooth, blue-gray back with a pale white belly
- Deeply forked tail, unlike most channel catfish hybrids and flatheads
- Straight anal fin edge with 30 to 36 rays, a key blue catfish trait
Habitat
Large rivers, main-lake reservoirs, deep channels, tailraces, and slow to moderate current over mud, sand, or mixed bottoms; often near drop-offs, river bends, submerged structure, and baitfish concentrations.
Bait notes
Fresh cut bait from shad, herring, or other oily baitfish is the standard producer. Live bait can work for smaller fish where legal, and big circle-hook rigs with cut bait are the usual choice for trophy fish.
Behavior
Mostly nocturnal and highly mobile, blue catfish forage along bottom contours and in open water when baitfish schools are present. They feed on fish, crayfish, and carrion, with larger individuals increasingly piscivorous.
Caution
Blue catfish are generally safe to handle, but large fish can be powerful and have sharp pectoral spines. Consumption advisories may apply in some waters due to contaminant buildup, especially for larger individuals; check local guidance.
Fishing notes
Fish deep holes, channel edges, and current breaks with bottom rigs or drift rigs. Slow trolling or anchored bait presentations can be effective; use stout tackle and keep baits on or near bottom, especially in rivers and reservoir arms.