Catfish
For blue and channel catfish, minimum length = 14 inches and combined daily bag limit = 15 fish. For flathead catfish, minimum length = 18 inches and daily bag = 5.
Gear restriction: Fishing by pole and line only; at most two poles. State-park license exemption applies per current rules.
Official lake regulations ↗
Habitat on Sheldon
This shallow coastal reservoir has abundant aquatic vegetation and cypress cover.
Fishing approach
Lake guide guidance: TPWD highlights bank fishing at the Garrett Road crossing and describes catfish and crappie opportunities. Species surveys provide dated context, not catch guarantees.
Lake fishing guide ↗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.
Official consumption guidance ↗Species within this group
Blue Catfish
Harvest: For blue and channel catfish, minimum length = 14 inches and combined daily bag limit = 15 fish. For flathead catfish, minimum length = 18 inches and daily bag = 5.
Eating guidance: 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.
Forked tail and a relatively straight-edged anal fin. Count anal-fin rays using an identification reference.
Channel Catfish
Harvest: For blue and channel catfish, minimum length = 14 inches and combined daily bag limit = 15 fish. For flathead catfish, minimum length = 18 inches and daily bag = 5.
Eating guidance: 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.
Forked tail; younger fish commonly show dark body spots. The anal-fin edge is more rounded than in blue catfish.
Individual lake profiles
Choose the species for its own identification, harvest rules and eating guidance on this lake.
Source & occurrence note
TPWD lake guide and reviewed fisheries evidence establish the listed species or group. Historical survey records do not establish current abundance.