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Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Nevada

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All about fishing for white and channel catfish in NV.

Nevada provides excellent opportunities for catfish fishing, with two prominent species frequently targeted by anglers: channel catfish and white catfish.

Channel catfish are one of the most sought-after freshwater game fish in the state. They are known for their strong fighting ability and are often found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout Nevada. The Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave are popular spots for channel catfish fishing. The best time to target them is during the warmer months when they are more active and likely to take bait.

White catfish, while less abundant than channel catfish, can also be found in Nevada's waters. They prefer slow-moving waters like ponds, lakes, and backwaters of rivers. Anglers can find white catfish in places like Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. They are often more active during the nighttime and can be caught using various baits such as nightcrawlers and chicken liver.

Catfish fishing in Nevada can be enjoyed year-round, but late spring through early fall is generally considered the best time to pursue them. During this period, the water temperatures are warmer, making the catfish more active and responsive to bait. Anglers should pay attention to local regulations and bag limits when fishing for catfish to ensure responsible and sustainable fishing practices.

Catfish Fishing Lakes in Nevada

Catfish fishing in Nevada

The Colorado River and Humboldt River along with major lakes including Lake Lahontan, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Rye Patch Reservoir, Rye Patch Reservoir, Washoe Lake and Wild Horse Reservoir are the primary waters for catfish in Nevada. Other ponds, small lakes and rivers have cats.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Nevada

Catfish in Nevada

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish

World record: 58 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 32 lbs 7 oz

White Catfish

White catfish

World record: 22 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 17 lbs 4 oz

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Nevada?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Nevada State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from South Fork Reservoir.

The state record white catfish (tie) one from Lahontan Reservoir, and one came out of the Humboldt River.

Catfish fishing from the bank

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. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Nevada. 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.

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.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Catfish Fishing Video

 

Information for states with catfish.

AL Catfish Fishing AR Catfish Fishing AZ Catfish Fishing CA Catfish Fishing CO Catfish Fishing CT Catfish Fishing DE Catfish Fishing FL Catfish Fishing GA Catfish Fishing HI Catfish Fishing IA Catfish Fishing ID Catfish Fishing IL Catfish Fishing
IN Catfish Fishing KS Catfish Fishing KY Catfish Fishing LA Catfish Fishing MA Catfish Fishing MD Catfish Fishing ME Catfish Fishing MI Catfish Fishing MN Catfish Fishing MO Catfish Fishing MS Catfish Fishing MT Catfish Fishing
NC Catfish Fishing ND Catfish Fishing NE Catfish Fishing NH Catfish Fishing NJ Catfish Fishing NM Catfish Fishing NV Catfish Fishing NY Catfish Fishing OH Catfish Fishing OK Catfish Fishing OR Catfish Fishing PA Catfish Fishing
RI Catfish Fishing SC Catfish Fishing SD Catfish Fishing TN Catfish Fishing TX Catfish Fishing UT Catfish Fishing VA Catfish Fishing VT Catfish Fishing WA Catfish Fishing WI Catfish Fishing WV Catfish Fishing WY Catfish Fishing