Catfish Fishing in Arizona

Most waters in Arizona hold one or more species of catfish. The bigger cats seem to come from areas with moving water in the warmer parts of the state.

Catfish Lakes.

Most lakes in the state offer catfish opportunities. The major Arizona lakes with a healthy population of catfish include Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Lees Ferry, Martinez Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake and Woods Canyon Lake.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big, giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

They are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Fishing for Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Channel cats can be caught most any time of year except in extreme cold water conditions. The best time of year tends to be spring and fall followed by summer and lastly winter. Channel cats favor crawfish and small fish, so look for them at varying depths where there is rock or gravel that attracts the crawfish or other forms of cover that attracts baitfish and other small fish. In the warmer summer months catfish can be found in areas with moss, which they feed on.

Fishing For Flatheads
Pylodictis olivaris

Flatheads are caught primarily on bait like live shiners and chubs and only occasionally on cut or prepared baits. They are the second largest of the catfishes and lie in cover of submerged logs or other large structures. Prime fishing time for catching flathead catfish is after dark.

Fishing For Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus

Look for these big blues on major rivers or in impoundments fed by large tributaries. They feed on fish frogs, mollusks, crayfish and large invertebrates. They find food more by use of their keen sense of smell. Look for them to be hiding in hollowed out logs or undercuts in structures. Use anything from live shiners to cut bait and stink baits to catch these big blue catfish.

Baits

If it resembles food in any way and emits scent or an odor it is likely to attract the interest of catfish. Every ardent expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. Their long whiskers are always in search of an easy meal.

If you have information, articles or photos relating to catfish which you would like to see published on the articles page, please submit them for consideration. We will gladly give you credit for your contribution. If you have a fishing related business and would like to mention it within the context of the article, we will consider your request. For significant contributions we may offer complimentary display ads, please contact us if you are interested.

If you offer fishing guide services, we would like to include you as a resource for our visitors. We offer a complimentary listing for your guide service on our Arizona Fishing Guides page or you can see other options to promote your guide services by visiting our Advertising opportunities section.

All About Fishing for Catfish in Arizona.

58 lbs - 0 oz

35 lbs - 4 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.

123 lbs - 0 oz

74 lbs - 0 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom.

121 lbs - 5 oz

31 lbs - 0 oz

68 - 80 Degrees

Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels.