{"id":576,"date":"2021-09-26T05:37:40","date_gmt":"2021-09-26T05:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/?p=576"},"modified":"2021-09-26T05:44:22","modified_gmt":"2021-09-26T05:44:22","slug":"when-do-catfish-spawn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/when-do-catfish-spawn\/","title":{"rendered":"When Do Catfish Spawn?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Catfish around the United States typically spawn in late spring and early summer.<\/p>\n
As the water warms to around 75 degrees, species like channel catfish and flathead catfish get ready to reproduce.<\/p>\n
An astute angler can use this information to maximize their chances of fishing success.<\/p>\n
When it comes to catfish, understanding the spawn is especially important.<\/p>\n
Every spring, catfish in states across the country leave off their normal behavior and focus on reproducing.<\/p>\n
During this brief stretch, most catfish are more worried about protecting their young than eating. This makes it extremely hard to catch fish.<\/p>\n
If you know when catfish spawn in your area, you can plan your fishing trips accordingly.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a brief overview of catfish spawning tendencies in several parts of America.<\/p>\n
Contents<\/p>
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Catfish Spawning Per State<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
\n\n
\n\t
State<\/th>
Month(s)<\/th>
Temprature<\/th>
Location<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n\t
Kentucky<\/td>
May-June<\/td>
70-84 degrees<\/td>
Lakes and clay banks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\t
Iowa<\/td>
May-June<\/td>
75-85 degrees<\/td>
Nooks and crannies in lakes, streams, and rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\t
Missouri<\/td>
Late May-June<\/td>
Around 75 degrees<\/td>
Caves and other underwater structures in rivers and lakes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\t
Illinois<\/td>
Late May-Early June<\/td>
Around 75 degrees<\/td>
Under logs and rocks in lakes and rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\t
Alabama<\/td>
May-August<\/td>
Around 75 degrees<\/td>
Beneath cover in lakes and rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
<\/p>\n
How do you tell if a catfish is spawning?<\/span><\/h2>\n
First of all, you can usually determine whether local catfish are spawning simply by looking at a calendar.<\/p>\n
Catfish are remarkably consistent with their spawning habits, and you can count on females to lay their eggs during the same month every year.<\/p>\n
You can also examine the water temperature to see if it\u2019s spawning season.<\/p>\n
When the water reaches 75 degrees in the spring, you can be pretty sure the local catfish are getting ready to reproduce.<\/p>\n
Finally, you can observe the behavior of the fish to see if they are spawning.<\/p>\n
If the fish are hanging out around tributaries, it likely means they\u2019re gathering in anticipation of the spawn.<\/p>\n
If you can see them hovering around caves, crevices, or other structures, then they\u2019re probably over their nests.<\/p>\n
How long does it take for catfish to spawn?<\/span><\/h2>\n
The entire spawning process happens in just a couple of weeks.<\/p>\n
The first step is for the female to lay her catfish eggs in the nest.<\/p>\n
From there, the male takes over guard duties while waiting for the eggs to hatch.<\/p>\n
The fry typically emerge from their eggs after 6-10 days.<\/p>\n
From there, they spend another couple of days gathered in a group around the nest.<\/p>\n
Once they finally disperse, the male catfish is free to go on its way.<\/p>\n