Users' questions

Are there catfish in Connecticut?

Are there catfish in Connecticut?

Five species of catfishes, only one native, have been reported from fresh waters of Connecticut. Catfish are primarily nocturnal feeders, using their highly sensitive barbels to feel and taste the environment.

What kind of catfish are in the Connecticut River?

Channel catfish
Distribution: Channel catfish are found through most of North America east of the Rockies as far north as Canada, south into northeastern Mexico, and east of the Appalachians. They are not native to New Hampshire and the only known fishable population is in the Connecticut River.

What is the most common catfish?

Channel catfish are the most abundant species of catfish in North America. Millions of anglers go out in search of these fish every single year. They’re the state fish of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Tennessee. Channel catfish are smaller species of catfish than blue catfish or flathead catfish.

Where can I go catfishing in CT?

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.

What’s the biggest catfish caught in Connecticut?

Tomkunas claimed he caught a 21.3-pound white catfish from a friend’s dock late on Aug. 21. The weight of the 38-inch-long fish would have crushed the state record of 12.7 pounds and was a contender for the world record, which stands at 19 pounds, 5 ounces.

Are there flathead catfish in CT?

“I live near the Connecticut River, which has a lot of catfish, but they don’t get nearly as big as those.” Flatheads haven’t spread as rapidly, apparently because they’re less tolerant than blue catfish of the saltier water in the Bay.

What is the difference between blue catfish and channel catfish?

The best way to tell the difference between a channel catfish and a blue catfish is to count the number of rays on the anal fin. A blue catfish has 30–36 rays, whereas a channel catfish has 25–29. Blue catfish also have barbels, a deeply forked tail, and a protruding upper jaw.

How big do catfish get in CT?

Commonly 12 to 20 inches.

What is the difference between a white catfish and a channel catfish?

The surest way to identify the white catfish is to count the rays in the anal fin. The white catfish has 19-23 rays and the fin is rounded along the bottom edge. The channel catfish has 24-30 rays and also has a rounded anal fin. The blue catfish has a longer and much straighter edged anal fin with 30-36 rays.

What is the biggest fish caught in Connecticut?

Connecticut Freshwater Record Fish

Common Name Weight Year Caught
Lake Trout 29lb 13oz 1918
Largemouth Bass 12lb 14oz 1961
Northern Pike 29lb 0oz 1980
Pumpkinseed 1lb 3oz 1973