Catfish Fishing in Connecticut

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.

Catfish Lakes In Connecticut.

There are lots of waters in Connecticut with populations of catfish. Most rivers, streams and creeks have catfish as do major lakes like Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake and Lake Zoar.

Mashapaug Lake boasts the state record channel catfish and the Connecticut state record white catfish was caught in the Connecticut River.

Most catfish 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 catfish 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 White Catfish
Ameiurus catus

White catfish will typically found in slower meandering creeks, streams, canals and small rivers. They are occasionally found in brackish waters which drain into and mix with saltwater. Their primary diet is fish, however they also feed on aquatic insects, fish eggs, small crustaceans and even aquatic plants. Try live minnows or worms and focus on daylight hours as these are not as nocturnal as some of their other catfish relatives.

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 catfish 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. The long whiskers of the catfish are always in search of an easy meal.

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
Catfish Conservation
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

If you have information, articles or photos relating to catfish which you would like to see published under Connecticut catfish articles, 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 Connecticut Fishing Guides page or you can see other options to promote your catfish fishing guide services in Connecticut by visiting our Advertising opportunities section.

Locate catfish lakes in other states using the list to the left.

CT Catfish Fishing - All About Fishing for Catfish in Connecticut.

58 lbs - 0 oz

29 lbs - 5 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

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

22 lbs - 0 oz

12 lbs -12 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

Prefers rivers and streams with slow moving current over muddy, sandy or even slightly silted bottoms.