Channel catfish
Boise River, Mouth to Middleton
Updated
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Fish › Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Channel catfish deliver steady warmwater action and real trophy potential in Idaho’s Snake River.
Size range
22–52 in
Size range
Typical adult length in the waters we cover.
Water temperature
Warmwater
Water temperature
Preferred thermal regime for this species.
Active season
Summer
Active season
When anglers most often encounter this species.
Origin
Introduced
Origin
Stocking and native history where this species is found.
Habitat
Lowland & Warmwater, Rivers & Large Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
Habitat
Primary water types where this species is found.
Channel catfish are an introduced species in Idaho and are established in warm, larger river reaches and reservoirs. They are popular with anglers because they bite readily, fight hard, and can grow very large.
They feed mostly on small fish and bottom forage like crayfish, clams, snails, and aquatic insects.
Always check the current Idaho fishing rules for the specific water and region before fishing; linked Snake River planner identifiers provided here did not resolve in IDFG fetch results.
Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.
Status: Introduced to Idaho
G5 (Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: SNABrowse species profiles with habitat, diet, tactics, and linked waters across the state.
