Catfish Fishing in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts

Most waters in MA have one or more species of catfish. They can be found in most rivers, small lakes and ponds. But the major lakes like Ashfield Lake, Assawompset Pond, Cheshire Reservoir, Congamond Lake, Hamilton Reservoir, Lake Chaubunagungamaug, Lake Cochituate, Lake Garfield, Lake Rohunta, Lake Quinsigamond, Long Pond, Norton Reservoir, Otis Reservoir, Quabbin Reservoir and South Watuppa Pond hold the larger populations of catfish.

The Massachusetts state record chsnnel catfish came from Ashfield Lake and Baddacook Pond yielded the state record white 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

White Catfish
Ameiurus catus

Catfish Bait

Catfish Organizations & Resources

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

Learning to Fish for Catfish In Massachusetts

The purpose of the page is to provide specific information about fishing for catfish in Massachusetts. Find information on basic trends and seasonal patterns of catfish here in the state of Massachusetts. Look here for tips, recommended tackle, techniques and more. We want to help you make your catfish fishing trips in MA more successful.

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Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left.

All About Fishing for Catfish in Massachusetts.

58 lbs - 0 oz

26 lbs - 8 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

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

22 lbs - 0 oz

9 lbs - 3 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

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