Page 20 of Western Kentucky Fish Species by Kentucky's Western Waterland

channel catfish ictalurus punctatus also called fiddler channel cat willow catfish spotted catfish forked-tail cat distribution statewide description distinctive characteristics are the deeply-forked tail dark spots on the body for young fish only and the anal fin is rounded on the margin this fish may be distinguished from a blue catfish by the straight margin of the anal fin on the blue catfish channel catfish often weigh between two and seven pounds channel catfish larger than l5 pounds are rare habits channel catfish are opportunistic feeders consuming other fishes insects crayfish worms and a variety of dead material these fish normally spawn between may and july when water temperatures approach 75 degrees channel catfish spawn in cavities created by hollow logs underwater ledges or holes in banks catfish are most active at night and retire to deep water during the day fishing most productive fishing success is night fishing on or near the bottom with nightcrawlers minnows cut bait and stink bait tailwaters below major lakes and navigation dams on the major rivers are prime areas for concentrations of catfish limb trot or jug lines are also very effective in major lakes.

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