Catfish Fishing in Idaho

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 Fishing Lakes In Idaho

American Falls Reservoir, Brownlee Reservoir, C J Strike Reservoir, Cascade Reservoir, Coeur D'Alene Lake, Crane Creek Reservoir, Hayden Lake, Hells Canyon Reservoir, Lake Lowell, Lake Pend Oreille, Mann Lake, Mud Lake, Paddock Valley Reservoir, Priest Lake, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and Spirit Lake all have healthy populations of catfish.

Mann Lake served up the Idaho state record channel catfish and Brownlee Reservoir was home the the state record flathead catfish.

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.

Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris

Catfish Bait

Catfish Organizations & Resources

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

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

ID Catfish Fishing - All About Fishing for Catfish in Idaho.

58 lbs - 0 oz

31 lbs - 1 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

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

123 lbs - 0 oz

58 lbs - 8 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

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