Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing in Colorado

Channel Catfish
Image: Duane Raver, USFWS · Public domain

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

Waters
1
State
Colorado
Water
Freshwater
Methods
Spin & Bait

Prime Months in Colorado: No Agency Season Found

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What to Use for Channel Catfish

Fishing In

Channel Catfish

No agency season found

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.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • Rod & ReelUgly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo · 7 ft medium rod, size 35 reelCheck Price
  • LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 17 or 20 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

  • Bait for November · Chunk or filletCut Shad

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Also Worth Packing

Terminal Tackle

Gamakatsu Circle Hooks

Circle hooks designed to set in the corner of a fish's mouth, for fresh and saltwater bait fishing.

Check Price Maker's Page

Terminal Tackle

Egg Sinkers and Swivels

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

Check Price

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Colorado fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Where to Catch Channel Catfish

1 of 1 waters

Shops to Stock Up

Channel Catfish Fishing by State