Catfish Fishing in Virginia

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 Virginia

Catfish can be found in most fishing waters across Virginia. Most rivers, small lakes and ponds have one or more species of catfish. The major containing a healthy population of catfish include Claytor Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Anna, Lake Chesdin, Lake Drummond, Lake Gaston, Lake Moomaw, Leesville Reservoir, Philpott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston Lake and Western Branch Reservoir.

The Virginia state record blue catfish was caught from Buggs Island Lake and the VA state record channel catfish was taken out of the Rappahannock River. The Occoquan Reservoir served up the Virginia state record flathead catfish and the state record white catfish was pulled from Western Branch Reservoir.

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

Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus

White Catfish
Ameiurus catus

Catfish Bait

Catfish Organizations & Resources

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

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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 Virginia.

58 lbs - 0 oz

31 lbs - 8 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

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

123 lbs - 9 oz

66 lbs - 4 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

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

143 lbs - 0 oz

92 lbs - 4 oz

68 - 80 Degrees

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

22 lbs - 0 oz

7 lbs - 6 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

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