Channel Catfish Fishing in Delaware
When channel catfish are caught across Delaware, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Channel Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Delaware by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Catching channel catfish in Delaware
Channel Catfish catches in Delaware run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 6% 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Mar-Apr. 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 Delaware?+
Across Delaware, about 6% of the channel catfish caught are kept and 94% are released. That works out to roughly 11K kept and 191K released in 2024.
How many channel catfish are caught in Delaware?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 203K channel catfish caught by recreational anglers in Delaware in 2024, making it the #10 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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