Catfish · Species guide
Blue catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Illustration: Duane Raver / USFWS. Public domain. Fish are not shown at the same scale.
Look for these features
- 01A slate-blue back and pale belly are clues. Color alone is not enough for a reliable identification.
- 02Deeply forked, similar to a channel catfish.
- 03Straight outer edge on the anal fin, with 30–36 rays.
Large rivers and reservoirs; feeding locations change with forage and water conditions.
TPWD species reference ↗ · Checked September 6, 2026.
Put it to work
Your next step
Compare the head, tail and anal fin together, then record the species and bait in your catch notebook.
Identification is one part of the trip. Use current rules for the state and exact waterbody you fish.