Channel catfish are easily distinguished from all others, except
blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. Unlike flathead
catfish, the upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw. Coloration
is olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, shading to
silvery-white on the belly. Typically, numerous small, black
spots are present, but may be obscured in large adults. The anal
fin has 24-29 soft rays, in contrast to the blue catfish which
always has 30 or more rays in the anal fin. Adults are largely
omnivorous, feeding on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and
even some plant material. Channel catfish are omnivores and can
be caught using a variety of natural and prepared baits,
including crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows, shad, crawfish,
frogs, bullheads, sunfish, and suckers. Stinkbaits of chicken
livers, dough balls, bloody meat, garlic and dead fish are
popular for attracting catfish as well. Small and large rivers
with low or moderate current, reservoirs, natural lakes and
ponds. They lay their eggs