Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Daily bag limit = 5 ( all species combined ) of which only 1 may be a black bass. No minimum length limits except black bass, which must be 14 inches or greater. For flathead catfish, minimum length = 18 inches and daily bag limit = 5.
Gear restriction: Fishing is by pole and line only. Anglers may use no more than two poles while fishing.
Identify your catch
Forked tail; younger fish commonly show dark body spots. The anal-fin edge is more rounded than in blue catfish.
Habitat on Meridian State Park
Shallow shoreline plants, fallen branches, dam structure and artificial brush piles provide cover.
Fishing approach
Lake guide guidance: Fish vegetation with spinnerbaits, worms or shallow crankbaits for bass; use minnows or jigs by brush for crappie and worms or crickets for sunfish.
Fishing guidance describes documented approaches, not a promise of fish activity today.
No active lake-specific advisory or possession ban was named in the reviewed DSHS directory. This does not guarantee that fish are safe to eat.
Harvest permission and eating restrictions are separate.
General species guide
Occurs in rivers, lakes and reservoirs; feeds on a wide range of aquatic food.
General Channel Catfish profile →Sources & lake evidence
TPWD lake guide and reviewed fisheries evidence establish the listed species or group. Historical survey records do not establish current abundance.
Lake harvest rules ↗Eating guidance ↗Lake habitat & fishing guide ↗Species identification ↗