Photo by Jeff Samsel

Indiana is fortunate to have a great number of fishing opportunities to please most any angler's appetite. From feisty bluegills to big Lake Michigan coho salmon, our state has it all. With such variety, biologists have an interesting chore in managing certain species.

Catfish are one such species. And just as for other species, no one management strategy will work for catfish statewide. Different types of water, the health of the fishery present in each lake, reservoir or river, as well as this species' popularity with anglers are all factors that come into play.

Catfish are very popular with anglers in the southern part of the state. Whiskerfish aren't as admired in the more northern reaches of Indiana, as angler attention shifts more toward walleyes, trout and other species. Biologists tailor their management strategies based in part on this angler attitude.

Another factor that affects management strategy is whether or not the fishery at a particular water body has a self-perpetuating population. Most of the large reservoirs in the state have catfish populations that have adequate spawning to maintain quality fisheries. Smaller waters do not usually have this capacity to renew the resource fast enough. Of course, catfish are also introduced to some areas to help create a new fishery and new angling opportunities.

Most catfish stocking in Indiana is done in small lakes located in city and state park settings. These areas often receive a tremendous amount of fishing pressure and without stocking would soon be depleted of quality fishing. Some of these waters receive as much as 500 to 600 hours of fishing pressure per acre per year. The put-grow-take stocking method helps to continue providing a quality fishing opportunity.

There are literally hundreds of locations throughout the state that offer really decent catfishing opportunities. From small ponds to large reservoirs, anglers have numerous choices while pursuing whiskerfish in Hoosierland. Here's a look at our two largest rivers, plus three reservoirs, where Hoosiers can enjoy some superb whiskerfish angling.

OHIO RIVER
Fisheries biologists have not done extensive studies on catfish populations in the Ohio River. Little data is known regarding population levels, spawning rates, growth rates or lifespan. Biologists do know the river has an excellent catfishery and angler success indicates the same.

Conflicts of interests along the river are leading biologists toward looking closer at the fishery present and evaluating the need for specific management. Casual sport-anglers, competitive anglers and commercial anglers all have different views of the catfish fishery and what should be done with it. In coming years, biologists will need to work out a multi-use management strategy to appease as many of these groups as possible.

Other states are also becoming involved and interested in catfish management in the river. Kentucky biologists have begun studying catfish populations, spawning habits and success and longevity near the Newburgh Dam. West Virginia has begun reintroducing blue catfish to the river.

The Ohio River probably offers anglers the greatest whiskerfish opportunity of anywhere in the state. The river has all three major species of catfish in good numbers. Trophy fish are present in all species, too. Channels, flatheads and blues can all be readily caught from the Ohio River, although blue catfish begin to taper off upriver toward Cincinnati.

Channel catfish are by far the most numerous catfish in the river and the easiest to catch. Anglers catch innumerable channel cats each year from both the shore and by boat. Most any catfishing method will work on these indiscriminant eaters, from rod-and reel fishing to limblines, juglines and trotlines. Common baits for use in the river include cut bait, shad, liver, stink baits, blood baits and night crawlers.

Flatheads and blue catfish are more challenging to catch. Anglers will need to target these fish more specifically and often use different baits, most preferably live baits. These two fish are the ones to target if an angler is looking to land a trophy specimen.