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 PageCatfish
Channel Catfish Fishing in Kentucky
Found in nearly every river, reservoir, and pond in the country. Channel cats feed by scent and bite best on warm summer nights.
- Waters
- 2
- State
- Kentucky
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Kentucky: Jun to Aug
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
From the agency months on 1 Kentucky water: Kentucky Lake.
Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty.
What to Use for Channel Catfish
Fishing In
Channel Catfish
Prime: Jun to Aug
No fly setup listed for channel catfish; see Spin / Cast.
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
Egg Sinkers and Swivels
Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.
Check PriceSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Kentucky 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
2 of 2 waters
Shops to Stock Up
Channel Catfish Fishing by State
Virginia (5)North Dakota (5)Texas (4)Mississippi (3)Tennessee (3)Illinois (3)California (2)Kentucky (2)Missouri (2)Florida (2)Oklahoma (2)Louisiana (2)Montana (2)Michigan (2)Alabama (2)Kansas (2)Pennsylvania (1)Maryland (1)Utah (1)Iowa (1)Ohio (1)New Mexico (1)West Virginia (1)Nevada (1)Colorado (1)South Dakota (1)Oregon (1)Georgia (1)Minnesota (1)