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Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

  • 2lakes
  • 144logged catches
  • 183.64 kg heaviest logged

Blue Catfish, (Ictalurus furcatus), is the largest species of catfish in North America. Now wonder this fellow can reach a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb). Usually has a slate blue body with a white belly. Blue Catfish feed primarily on fish, crawfish, insects, frogs, shrimp, mussels etc.

What actually catches it ranked by real logged catches

Baits

Large Minnows 26 Large Cutbait 26 Leeches 4 Shiners 3 Medium Cutbait 1 Frog 1 Crawfish 1

Lures

X-Series Crankbait 5 m, #6/0 1

Best setups by lake 2 lakes with data

Saint-Croix Lake — 123 catches , best 183.64 kg

  • Large Minnows Hook #7/0 Feeder bottom 15×
  • Large Cutbait Hook #7/0 Feeder bottom 13×
  • Large Cutbait Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 6×
  • Large Minnows Hook #6/0 Feeder bottom 5×

Quanchkin Lake — 21 catches , best 21.34 kg

  • Large Minnows Hook #6/0 Feeder bottom 2×
  • Large Cutbait Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 2×
  • Medium Cutbait Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 1×
  • X-Series Crankbait 5 m, #6/0 Spinning Shore 1×

How to catch

How to catch a unique Blue Catfish? You can catch this fish either with bait or lures.

If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Blue Catfish would be to use Large Cutbait on a size #7/0 hook.

If you are more into artificial lures, you should go for some Crankbaits. The most successful lure is Dim Green / Glow Green Crankbait 9 m, #6/0.

Where to find it

Saint-Croix Lake Michigan Quanchkin Lake Louisiana

Also listed as effective documented, but not seen in the catch log

Small Cutbait #124#127#128#131 Crayfish 7.5 cm Crayfish 7.5 cm Crayfish 7.5 cm Crayfish 7.5 cm Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm

Data compiled from fp-collective and the Fishing Planet Wiki . Snapshot taken 2026-08-20. Game content and imagery © Fishing Planet LLC.