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Ictalurus punctatus
Channel cats, with its deeply forked tail, are the most popular of the catfish. Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, barbels (whisker-like sensory organ) around the mouth, slender body with speckled sides.
Illustration by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©   Found nearly statewide, channel cats inhabit both lakes and streams. They are typically pursued by anglers using live, dead or cut bait, though anglers have long used all manner of bait presented on the bottom — cheese, shrimp, liver, spawn — or commercially prepared blood or scent baits. The best fishing periods for channel catfish are from dusk until midnight or when water levels are rising (e.g., after rains have washed food into the lake or stream).
Typically thought of as bottom scavengers, catfish are highly evolved predators with barbells that serve as sensory organs, catfish are often attracted by scent.
In the late spring or early summer, male channel catfish build nests in dark, secluded areas such as underwater holes or undercut banks, log jams or rocks. The female leaves the nest soon after depositing the eggs, while the male stays behind to protect and fan the eggs. The eggs hatch in five to 10 days. Fry normally remain in the nest, protected by the male catfish, for about seven days after hatching.
Channel catfish live in all Great Lakes but Superior, inland lakes and medium to large rivers. They are most common in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. In rivers, young channel catfish generally are found in shallow riffles. Adult catfish typically inhabit deep pools with log jams or rocks for cover during the day and move into shallow water at night.
Most channel catfish reach sexual maturity at five to eight years of age. They are capable of living more than 15 years, and individuals up to 24 years of age have been reported. In productive waters, channel catfish often grow to over 30 inches and weigh more than 10 pounds. The current state record channel catfish weighed 40 pounds.
Their impressive size and high-quality flesh make these catfish deservedly popular as a sport fish. They are also of significant commercial value, especially to anglers of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.
