About Channel Catfish

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are easily recognized by their:

• Coloration: Blue-gray to silver-white, often with scattered black spots.

• Distinct Features: A deeply forked tail and a protruding bottom jaw.

• Size & Growth: With supplemental feeding, they can reach 2–3 pounds in just 2 years, and trophy catfish can exceed 20+ pounds in the right environment.

Why Stock Channel Catfish in Texas Ponds?

• Adaptable Habitat: Thrive in ponds where other species struggle, including murky or turbid waters.

• Fast Growth Rates: Readily accept commercial feed, making them one of the fastest-growing pond fish.

• Angler Favorite: Provide excellent sport fishing and are highly valued as table fare.

• Stocking Flexibility: Commonly stocked as a “put-and-take fishery”, where catfish are harvested regularly and restocked to maintain population balance.

Spawning and Life Cycle

Channel catfish spawn in late spring when water temperatures reach around 75°F. They prefer to lay eggs in protected, enclosed spaces such as undercut banks, submerged logs, or artificial spawning containers like buckets or boxes.

While they can reproduce in ponds, most private pond owners rely on periodic restocking to maintain healthy populations and prevent overpopulation.

Channel Catfish Pond Stocking in Texas

At Lochow Ranch, we design custom pond stocking plans that include channel catfish for both recreational fishing and food production. Whether you want trophy catfish for angling or a steady supply of stocked fish for harvest, our experts will build the right stocking strategy for your pond or lake.

Ready to stock your pond?

Fill out the form on this page to request pricing and availability, or learn more about our Pond Stocking Services.