Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Ohio's expanding trophy catfish — rapidly growing in the Ohio River system.

Size Limit
None
Daily Bag
10
Season
Year-round
State Record
96 lbs 0 oz
Ohio River (2009)

Best Months to Fish

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

cut shadskipjack herringlive bluegill

Lures & Artificials

large jigscut bait rigs

Overview

Blue catfish are expanding their range in Ohio, particularly in the Ohio River where the state record 96-pounder was caught. They’re also established in some inland reservoirs. Blue cats grow much larger than channel cats and are increasingly popular among trophy catfish anglers.

Regulation Notes

Combined catfish daily limit of 10

More Ohio Fish Species

View all fish species →

Plan Your Blue Catfish Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next blue catfish fishing trip in Ohio.

Explore Lakes   Find a Guide   Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Ohio DNR regulations before fishing. An Ohio fishing license is required for ages 16+.