Channel Catfish Fishing in Connecticut
When channel catfish are caught across Connecticut, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Channel Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Connecticut by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching channel catfish in Connecticut
Channel Catfish catches in Connecticut run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 2% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Connecticut fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch channel catfish in Connecticut?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release channel catfish in Connecticut?+
Across Connecticut, about 2% of the channel catfish caught are kept and 98% are released. That works out to roughly 290 kept and 15K released in 2024.
How many channel catfish are caught in Connecticut?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 15K channel catfish caught by recreational anglers in Connecticut in 2024, making it the #16 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this channel catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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