Catfish Fishing In NY – Identification, Habitat, Tips, Techniques

Catfish fishing in New York offers excitement and challenge for anglers. From the elusive channel catfish to the hardy bullhead catfish, these freshwater fish provide a thrilling pursuit in the state’s diverse and scenic waterways.

This comprehensive guide explores catfish fishing, covering identification, habitat preferences, tips, techniques, and seasonal behaviors. Understanding the nuances of catfish angling enhances the fishing experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for these species and their role in New York’s aquatic ecosystems.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of catfish fishing, from the shores of Lake Champlain to the rivers and lakes across New York’s picturesque countryside.

Other fish species of NY. 

How To Identify Catfish

Identifying channel catfish in New York waters can be an exciting challenge for anglers. Channel catfish, belonging to the Ictaluridae family, are the largest members among bullheads and catfish inhabiting New York’s waterways. 

The state record for channel catfish in New York stands at an impressive 35 lbs. 12 oz., showcasing the potential for sizable catches in local waters. While the state record illustrates the potential for exceptionally large specimens, the average channel catfish encountered by anglers tends to be smaller, typically ranging from 3 to 8 pounds in weight.

When attempting to identify channel catfish, several distinguishing characteristics can be observed. Channel catfish possess several distinctive physical features. They typically have a cylindrical body with a slightly flattened head and a deeply forked tail. 

Their skin is smooth and lacks scales, often colored olive-brown on the back and sides, fading to white on the belly. One of the most recognizable features of channel catfish is their long, whisker-like barbels protruding from the corners of their mouths. These barbels aid in detecting food and navigating murky waters, making them a key identifying characteristic.

Channel catfish have three prominent fins: dorsal, pectoral, and adipose fins. The dorsal fin, positioned along the back, is serrated and has a smooth edge. The pectoral fins, located on each side of the body behind the head, are relatively large and rounded. The adipose fin, found between the dorsal and tail fins, is small and fleshy. 

They are typically found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, preferring slow-moving or still waters with plenty of cover, including submerged logs, aquatic vegetation, and rocky structures.

Channel catfish are primarily nocturnal feeders, becoming more active during the evening and nighttime hours. Anglers targeting channel catfish often find success using live or cut bait, as well as a variety of artificial lures designed to mimic natural prey. 

Identifying bullhead catfish alongside channel catfish in New York waters presents an intriguing challenge for anglers. Bullheads, also members of the Ictaluridae family, possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from their larger channel catfish counterparts.

One key feature to distinguish bullhead catfish from channel catfish is their rounded tail. Unlike channel catfish, which have a forked tail, bullheads exhibit a rounded tail, aiding in visual identification, particularly when observing smaller specimens. Additionally, bullheads lack scales on their bodies, instead featuring an exterior covered with taste buds, rendering them notably slippery to handle compared to channel catfish.

Another distinguishing characteristic of bullhead catfish is the presence of a single, sharp spine in both the dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines serve as defensive mechanisms and contribute to the overall identification of bullheads. Anglers should exercise caution when handling bullhead catfish to avoid injury from these spines.

Despite these distinguishing features, bullhead catfish share some similarities with channel catfish, such as their nocturnal feeding habits and preference for freshwater habitats with ample cover and slow-moving or still waters.

Habitat

When considering the habitat preferences of bullhead and channel catfish, it becomes apparent that both species exhibit specific behaviors and environmental requirements conducive to their survival and activity.

Bullhead catfish, commonly found in the warm upper waters of lakes, rivers, or pools, prefer environments with relatively consistent temperatures. They seek shelter among logs, rock ledges, aquatic vegetation, and man-made structures such as submerged debris or bridges. 

Bullheads are gregarious fish, often found in groups, drifting along the bottom of lakes or sluggish streams in search of quiet backwaters or vegetated shallows. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot survive in waters below 49°F (9.4°C).

In contrast, channel catfish thrive in freshwater rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds throughout North America, including New York. They, too, are bottom-dwelling fish, favoring environments with ample cover and structure. Channel catfish seek shelter among submerged logs, rock formations, vegetation, and other aquatic structures. 

While they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, channel catfish generally prefer warmer waters where they can remain active and feed more readily. They are also known to inhabit areas of moving water such as streams, creeks, and rivers.

Both bullhead and channel catfish are opportunistic feeders, consuming small fish, insects, crustaceans, and various organisms found within their respective habitats. Understanding these habitat preferences and behaviors is essential for anglers seeking to target these species effectively in New York’s diverse waterways.

Natural Food Source

In their natural habitat, channel catfish exhibit opportunistic omnivorous feeding behavior, consuming a diverse range of plants and animals based on factors such as fish size, age, and food availability. Young channel catfish primarily feed on aquatic detritus, aquatic insects, and zooplankton, while adults consume a diet consisting mainly of insects, snails, crawfish, green algae, aquatic plants, seeds, small fish, and terrestrial insects.

Channel catfish are nocturnal feeders, typically feeding after sunset and before sunrise. Younger individuals tend to feed in shallow waters, whereas adults prefer deeper water, often downstream from sandbars. Adult channel catfish are relatively sedentary, typically staying within a particular area, while younger fish may exhibit more extensive movement patterns, especially at night when they are actively feeding. 

In turbid waters, channel catfish rely on their extensive network of taste buds, which are distributed over their entire external body surface, inside the mouth and pharynx, and on the gill arches, to detect food. They also use eyesight to locate food in clear water. Common food items for catfish include algae, insects, smaller fish species, crayfish, snails, worms, small mammals, and fish eggs. 

Understanding the natural food sources of channel catfish is essential for anglers, as it can help improve bait selection and fishing strategies for targeting these omnivorous fish effectively in their native habitats.

By the season

Catfish angling experiences seasonal variations depending on the species and environmental conditions. Channel catfishing peaks from late May through early July and again from October to November, particularly if the water retains warmth. While anglers can catch small catfish year-round, late March, April, and early May mark prime periods for both quantity and quality, offering excellent chances for trophy-class catches. 

During this time, channel catfish action tends to be consistently high. Bullheads, known for their voracious appetite, remain active throughout warm months and are easily caught from May through August. 

Fall signals a significant uptick in bullhead activity as they prepare for winter, with fishing remaining productive until water temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Understanding these seasonal patterns can enhance catfish angling success and ensure enjoyable fishing experiences throughout the year.

Best Catfish Fishing Spots In NY

Catfish enthusiasts in New York are spoiled for choice when it comes to prime fishing spots. Whether you’re after big trophy catfish or just looking for a fun day out on the water, the Empire State has something to offer for every angler.

Lake Champlain, situated on the border of New York and Vermont, is renowned for its excellent catfish population. Anglers flock to its waters in search of big catfish, making it a top destination for those seeking a thrilling fishing adventure.

Great Sacandaga Lake is another hotspot for catfish enthusiasts. With its expansive waters and diverse habitat, including deep holes and submerged structures, it provides ample opportunities to reel in some impressive catches.

Oneida Lake, known for its diverse fishery, is also home to a thriving catfish population. Anglers can explore its vast shoreline and deep waters in search of big catfish lurking beneath the surface.

The Susquehanna River offers excellent catfish fishing opportunities near Murphey’s Island, Johnson City, and Hiawatha Island in Owego. Its scenic beauty and abundant fish make it a favorite among local anglers and visitors alike.

For those seeking adventure in northern New York, the Lower Chaumont River/Bay and Black River Bay are worth exploring. These waterways offer pristine fishing grounds and the chance to hook into some impressive catfish.

Lake Erie, particularly the lower section of Cattaraugus Creek and deep holes near the mouth of other Lake Erie tributaries, is renowned for its trophy catfish. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of battling these powerful fish in one of the Great Lakes’ most iconic fishing destinations.

Whether you’re casting lines from the shore or venturing out onto the water in a boat, these top catfish fishing spots in New York promise unforgettable angling experiences.

Best Catfish Fishing [Bait, Lures, Flies, Other As Appropriate]

When it comes to targeting catfish, anglers have a diverse selection of lures, flies, and baits at their disposal. Let’s delve into each category to explore the best options for enticing these fish. While catfish are primarily attracted to scent and vibrations, lures can still be effective when used strategically. Spinners, jigs, and soft plastics are popular choices among anglers targeting catfish. 

Spinners with flashy blades and jigs tipped with scented plastics can mimic the movement of natural prey, enticing catfish to strike. Soft plastics scented with attractants like salt or fish guts can also be effective, especially when presented in a manner that mimics the movement of injured baitfish.

Although not traditionally associated with catfish fishing, flies can be surprisingly effective when targeting these fish. Saltwater patterns like Lefty’s Deceiver and Clouser Minnows, known for their lifelike appearance and enticing action, can be productive when targeting larger catfish species like blue and flathead catfish. Additionally, larger profile bunker flies, typically used for striped bass, can also entice catfish, particularly in saltwater environments.

When it comes to bait fishing for catfish, anglers have a wide range of options to choose from. Live baits such as nightcrawlers, gizzard shad, white suckers, and skipjack herring are favored among catfish anglers for their natural scent and movement. 

Other popular live baits include bluegills, crayfish, shrimp, snails, and aquatic insects. Additionally, stinkbaits and punchbaits, known for their potent odor, can be effective when targeting catfish, especially in muddy or murky waters where visibility is limited.

How To Catch

For catfish, especially in freshwater environments, anglers often employ a variety of techniques tailored to the species they’re targeting, whether it’s channel catfish or bullhead catfish. 

One common method for catching catfish is bottom fishing using bait such as nightcrawlers, chicken livers, shad, or even prepared baits like stink baits or dough baits. Anglers typically use a heavy sinker to keep the bait anchored to the bottom of the water body where catfish are known to feed.

Another effective technique is drift fishing, where anglers allow their bait to drift along with the current in rivers or lakes using a drift rig. This method is particularly effective for covering large areas and locating active catfish.

Some anglers prefer to target catfish at night when they are more active and feeding closer to the shorelines or in shallow flats. During the night, using baits with strong scents can attract catfish from a distance.

For those looking for a more active approach, casting out baited lines and waiting for a bite is a common strategy. This can be done from the shore, a dock, or a boat, depending on the fishing location and accessibility.

In addition to traditional bait fishing, some anglers also target catfish using artificial lures such as large soft plastics or crankbaits, particularly when fishing for flathead catfish in rivers or lakes with rocky or woody structures.

Catfish are known for their powerful bite and can put up a strong fight once hooked, making them a favorite among anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience.

Spawning Habits of Catfish

Catfish are known for their resilience and adaptability, and their spawning habits in New York waters are unique. They can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures, from 33°F to 95°F, with the optimal spawning temperature between 72°F and 75°F. Catfish must reach about 3 pounds or 3 years of age before they can spawn.

When water temperatures stabilize between 68°F and 70°F, catfish begin their annual spawning ritual. They migrate to nesting areas, often burrowing holes in pond banks just below the waterline, similar to muskrat holes. Female catfish lay their eggs in these nests, and the males fan and guard the eggs while the females rest and recover.

Anglers face mixed opinions and challenges when fishing for catfish during the spawn and post-spawn periods. Some prefer fishing near spawning dens, while others use more aggressive tactics to take advantage of the catfish’s feeding behavior. Understanding catfish behavior during these times is crucial, as not all catfish spawn simultaneously or annually.

Adopting an aggressive fishing approach similar to pre-spawn conditions can be effective, targeting active fish in current breaks and troughs of rivers. As the spawn progresses, anglers may catch robust pre-spawn fish initially and leaner post-spawn fish later. Water temperature significantly affects catfish metabolism and feeding patterns, with stable temperatures encouraging feeding frenzies and cold fronts temporarily halting activity.

During the post-spawn phase, catfish need to recover and replenish their energy. Anglers should stay adaptable, considering factors like water temperature and weather conditions, and use tactics that align with the catfish’s feeding behaviors. By being observant and responsive to changing conditions, anglers can improve their chances of success during both the spawn and post-spawn periods. Experimenting with different techniques and locations can also enhance the odds of a successful catfishing trip.

Regulations

In New York, anglers targeting catfish should consider various factors before consuming their catch. Catfish, known for their large size and longevity, have the potential to accumulate chemicals in their bodies over time. 

To ensure the safety of consuming catfish, it is essential to consult the fish health advisory section of the fishing guide specific to your fishing location. This advisory provides valuable information on recommended consumption practices based on water quality and potential contaminants present in the area. 

By reviewing these guidelines, anglers can make informed decisions about the safety of consuming catfish caught from specific waters. Prioritizing fish health advisories contributes to responsible fishing practices and helps safeguard against potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated catfish in New York.