Gear & Tackle

Species / Channel Catfish / Arizona

Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing in Arizona

Found in nearly every river, reservoir, and pond in the country. Channel cats feed by scent and bite best on warm summer nights.

Best Months: May to Sep

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Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Channel Catfish

Month

3 picks for October.

  • Nightcrawlers Whole or half

    Bait

    Live Bait

  • Chicken Liver Chunk

    Bait

    Natural Bait

  • Cut Shad Chunk or fillet

    Bait

    Natural Bait

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Rod & Reel

Channel Catfish Setup

Channel Catfish

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 3000 to 4000 reel, 15 to 20 lb line, slip-sinker rig with a circle hook.

Arizona

Where to Catch Channel Catfish

Lakes & Reservoirs · Arizona

Roosevelt Lake

Arizona's largest lake inside the state, a desert reservoir with excellent largemouth bass and crappie fishing.

Largemouth Bass · Crappie · Channel Catfish

Arizona

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Channel Catfish

Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo

A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Terminal Tackle

Gamakatsu Circle Hooks

Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.

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Terminal Tackle

Egg Sinkers and Swivels

Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.

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Channel Catfish Fishing by State

Mississippi (3)California (2)Alabama (2)Missouri (2)Texas (2)Louisiana (1)Oklahoma (1)Arizona (1)New Mexico (1)Illinois (1)Kansas (1)