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| Washington Catfish Fishing | |
| Catfish Fishing in Washington There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.
Catfish Fishing Lakes In Washington The Columbia and Snake Rivers are notorious for big catfish. Most rivers in WA are likely to contain at least a few catfish. They will also be found in some ponds, parks, small lakes and of course some of the major lakes in Washington. These major lakes include Alder Lake, Banks Lake, Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Lake Bryan, Lake Chelan, Lake Sammamish, Lake Umatilla (John Day), Lake Wallula (McNary), Lake Whatcom, Mayfield Lake, Palmer Lake, Riffe Lake, pirit Lake, Vancouver Lake and Wanapum Lake. The Washington state record blue catfish was taken out of the Columbia River and the state record channel catfish was caught from the I-82 Pond No. 6 . The Snake River produced the WA state record flathead catfish. Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait. Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
Catfish Bait
Catfish Organizations & Resources Catfish
Conservation Group If you have information, articles or photos relating to catfish which you would like to see published under Washington catfish articles, please submit them for consideration.
Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left. All About Fishing for Catfish in Washington. |
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CHANNEL CATFISH |
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58 lbs - 0 oz |
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36 lbs - 3 oz |
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65 - 90 Degrees |
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Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom. |
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FLATHEAD CATFISH |
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123 lbs - 9 oz |
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22 lbs - 13 oz |
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75 - 84 Degrees |
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Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom. |
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BLUE CATFISH |
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143 lbs - 0 oz |
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17 lbs - 12 oz |
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68 - 80 Degrees |
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Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels. |
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