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Catfish Blue Catfish
Oklahoma Record - 85.45 lbs. Other
Names Blue catfish feed more by taste and touch than by sight and have a keen sense of smell which they utilize to locate their food. These fish can exceed 100 pounds, most waters producing these record giants are large rivers or reservoirs with lots of preyfish. Originally found in the Red River in Oklahoma, blue catfish are now found almost statewide due to transplanting. The Arkansas river system also contains good populations. Blue catfish generally prefer areas with sand, gravel or rock bottoms and feed on fish, mussels, snails, insects and crayfish. Spawning usually occurs in late May or early June when the water temperature reaches 75 degrees F. Hollow logs, underwater ledges, holes under river cut banks are some nesting places. Females lay eggs which males then guard from intruders until hatching occurs six to ten days later. After hatching, fry are only attended for a short time by the male. Many blue catfish anglers rely on fresh bait, such as shad, shiners and shrimp. Live baits work well, but cut baitfish is also effective. Cut bait exposes the innards of the baitfish releasing scent into the water which attracts blue cats. Blues will also take stink baits such as chicken livers, rotting chunks of fish, blood baits and other foul substances. The thinking is the smellier the bait the more easily catfish locate it.
Oklahoma Record - 30.39 lbs. Channel catfish are native to North America east of the Rockies from extending from Canada and southward into northeastern Mexico and east of the Appalachians except for the coastal plain north of Florida. The species has been introduced in other areas as far west as California. Channel catfish are found statewide in streams, ponds and lakes. Channel catfish feed more by taste and touch than by sight, putting up a good fight when hooked making them a favorite among anglers.They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant and animal foods, both living and dead. Common foods are fish, mussels, insects and crayfish. Channel cats prefer large pools and deep holes with cover. Spawning takes place in late May or early June when water temperature reaches 75 degrees F. Hollow logs, overhanging underwater ledges or holes under mud banks are typical nesting places. Females lay about 10,000 eggs each. Males guard the eggs against intruders, including females. Eggs hatch in six to 10 days as determined by temperature. After hatching, fry are attended for a short time by the male as they feed in a dense school. Channel cats are excellent tablefare
Oklahoma Record - 71.49 lbs. Other Names Flathead catfish are generally pale yellow (hence the name yellow cat) to light brown or near black on the back and sides. The belly is usually pale yellow or cream colored. The head is broad and flattened, with a projecting lower jaw. The tail fin is slightly notched, not deeply forked with blue and channel catfish. Common in most large impoundments and streams, flatheads are found near cover in larger pools and deep holes. They like brush, rocks, submerged logs and undercut banks. Flatheads feed mainly on fish and crayfish, but also eat mussels, snails and insects. Spawning takes place in late May or early June when the water temperature reaches 75 degrees F. Hollow logs, overhanging underwater ledges or holes under mud banks are typical nesting places. Females lay about 10,000 eggs each. Males guard the eggs against intruders, including the female. Eggs hatch in six to 10 days as determined by temperature. After hatching, fry are attended for a short time by the male as they feed in a dense school. Flatheads can exceed 100 pounds and are a favorite among Oklahoma anglers.
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