Blue Catfish

 

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Identification: A large, heavy-bodied catfish with a deeply forked caudal fin. Color is pale blue to gray on the back and sides, fading to white on the lower sides and belly. It is similar to the Channel Catfish, but differs by having a long, straight-edged (vs. shorter, rounded) anal fin and no dark spots on the body. Adults can grow to about 5.5 feet and weigh up to 150 pounds, but individuals ranging from 20-50 inches and 3-60 pounds are most common.

Distribution and Habitat: Occurs in main channels, backwaters, and embayments of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, lower reaches of their major tributaries, as well as open waters of large reservoirs. Blue Catfish are stocked as a sport fish in selected reservoirs throughout Kentucky.