Catfish Fishing in New Jersey

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 New Jersey

Channel catfish and white catfish are found in many New Jersey waters. Major lakes with catfish include Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run Reservoir, Swartswood Lake, Union Lake and Wanaque Reservoir. Rivers, small lakes and ponds are likely to contain catfish as well.

The New Jersey state record channel catfish was pulled from Lake Hopatcong and the NJ state record white catfish came from Dallenbach Pond.

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
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

Learning to Fish for Catfish In New Jersey

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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 New Jersey.

58 lbs - 0 oz

33 lbs - 3 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

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

22 lbs - 0 oz

10 lbs - 5 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

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