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Catfish · Sport + table fish

Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatus

Native to most of the US east of the Rockies. Hardy, fast-growing on pellet, and the standard "I want to catch and eat fish from my pond" species. They tolerate poor water quality better than bass or bream, and they don't reproduce reliably in most ponds (which is a feature - they don't overpopulate). Stock as a sport target alongside bream + bass; restock every few years as fish are caught.

Sport + table fish Catfish

Stocking quick reference

Stocking rate
50-100 / acre depending on whether the pond is bass-managed or catfish-focused
Ship size
4-6" fingerlings or 8-12" stockers
Adult size
12-30" (5-15 lb)
Best season
Year-round, best stocking in fall + spring

Diet

Floating pellet (Purina Game Fish Chow, Aquamax), pond invertebrates

Compatible with

Bluegill, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, fathead minnow

Ship-to states

All 48 contiguous states with some species-specific permits; popular nationwide

State legality is enforced at checkout - the Fast Aquatics 52-rule legality engine blocks restricted shipments before payment. Permits + DNR rules vary by state for sport-fish stocking over personal-use thresholds.

Buy Channel Catfish

Live Channel Catfish listings from approved Fast Aquatics pond + aquaculture vendors. Filter by ship-from state to find the closest hatchery for cold-chain efficiency.

Browse Channel Catfish listings →   Pond stocking companies →

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Sell Channel Catfish on Fast Aquatics

Fish farms, hatcheries, and pond-stocking companies: list Channel Catfish for direct-to-pond-owner sales + wholesale Fast Frags partnerships.

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