Fishing For Catfish In Connecticut

Guide to fishing for white and channel catfish in Connecticut.

Connecticut provides excellent opportunities for catfish anglers, with both channel catfish and white catfish being popular species sought after by many fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can find these catfish species in various rivers, lakes, and ponds across the state.

Channel catfish are known for their strong fighting ability and delicious flesh, making them a prized catch among anglers. Popular fishing spots for channel catfish in Connecticut include the Connecticut River, Farmington River, and Lake Zoar. Anglers often target channel catfish by bottom fishing with bait such as nightcrawlers, cut bait, or stink baits. The warm summer months are generally the best time to fish for channel catfish when water temperatures are higher, and catfish are more active and feeding.

White catfish, a close relative of the channel catfish, are also present in Connecticut's waters. They are known for their white or pale yellow coloration and can be found in similar fishing locations as channel catfish. White catfish prefer slower-moving waters and can often be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds with sandy or muddy bottoms. Anglers can use similar techniques and baits as with channel catfish to target white catfish.

When fishing for catfish in Connecticut, it's important to obtain a valid fishing license and be aware of size and creel limits set by the state. This ensures the conservation and sustainability of catfish populations and promotes responsible angling practices.

Connecticut's diverse waterways provide ample opportunities for catfish anglers to enjoy a rewarding fishing experience. Whether you're targeting the hard-fighting channel catfish or the elusive white catfish, Connecticut's rivers, lakes, and ponds offer a variety of habitats to explore. So grab your fishing gear, select your favorite catfish bait, and get ready to hook into some impressive catfish in the beautiful waters of Connecticut.

Catfish Waters In CT

You can find plenty of waters in Connecticut with populations of catfish. Most rivers, streams and creeks have catfish as do major lakes like Alexander Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook River Lake, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Pond, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar, Lower Bolton Lake, Middle Bolton Lake, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Quaddick Reservoir, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washining Lake, West Thompson Lake and Wononscopomuc Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Connecticut?

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.

Connecticut State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Mashapaug Lake.

The state record white catfish came out of the Connecticut River.

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 Connecticut. 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 Video

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

Information for states with catfish.