Arizona Catfish
Increase your catch with these proven catfish tactics!
Catfish angling tradition runs deep in Arizona, and the catfish anglers are as varied as the types of habitats these whiskered fish call home. From die-hard monster flathead hunters to families that can’t get enough channel catfish tacos, and everyone in between…if you’re looking for catfish, Arizona has plenty of great spots to find them!
Types of Catfish in Arizona
There are three species of catfish that live in Arizona. Channel, flathead, and yellow bullhead catfish can be found throughout the state in various waters. We will focus on catching flathead and channel catfish within this resource since they are more commonly targeted in Arizona’s state park waters, and are commonly known to be better table fare than the smaller bullheads.
Fishing for Catfish
Fishing for catfish involves long periods of relaxation, good conversation if you’re fishing with a partner, and moments of electrifying excitement! Those moments of excitement may very well turn into a battle for the rights to your favorite fishing pole if you hook into one of Arizona’s monster catfish! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to fish at night to hook into a whiskered behemoth, but during the hot summer months it sure makes fishing a lot more comfortable when avoiding the hot daytime temps!
Tactics to consistently catch both channel and flathead catfish are very similar but vary in specific ways. Choose which species you would like to target (or try both!), then check out these tips to catch more catfish in Arizona.
Please take a look at the slip sinker rig for catfish. This inexpensive, easy-to-use set up will catch more fish!
Fishing for Channel Catfish
Whereas flathead catfish are more apt to bite a live baitfish presentation, channel catfish can be caught on a variety of live, dead, or prepared bait options. Nightcrawlers, chicken liver, hot dogs, shrimp, anchovies, and prepared “stink” baits are all common baits for channel catfish that also work well. The trick is to arrive at your destination with more than one bait option so you can try each one (or combination) until you find out which bait the catfish currently prefer. Try presenting these baits at a variety of depths until you figure out a pattern...Then replicate!
Fishing for Flathead Catfish
Flatheads get big, and they have a voracious appetite for live baitfish like bluegills and small carp. Please check the Arizona Game & Fish Department fishing regulations to find out which baits are legal to use and where before your trip. Rig up a slip sinker rig (pictured above) and hook your live bait just behind and below the dorsal fin so it stays alive long enough to entice a strike from flathead catfish searching out a meal. If targeting the largest flathead catfish possible, use baitfish about the size of your hand, or larger!
Some of the flatheads in state park waters are approaching (maybe eclipsing) 60 pounds. Large fish like this are old and deserve to live out their life propogating the species for everyone to enjoy. Please keep some smaller flatheads for their delicious white, flaky meat, and release the old warriors for a fight another day.
Tips to Catch MORE Catfish
- Use more than one line
- Try a variety of baits at different depths
- If you’re not catching them…Move!
- Rig bait well so you don’t have to check it
- Use a bell or other strike indicator
- Ask for help
Where to Catch Catfish in Arizona
Arizona is loaded with great places to catch catfish. Statewide opportunities for the public to engage in active, widespread catfish angling are promoted in part by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The Department, on occasion, supplements naturally reproducing populations of catfish by stocking hatchery-raised channel catfish in a variety of state park waters. These additional opportunities are designed to increase catch rate and a great way to get new anglers involved in the sport of catfishing.
We can’t guarantee you’ll catch catfish during your trip, but CAN guarantee an adventure like this isn’t likely from your couch! Click to select an amazing Arizona catfish opportunity to explore, then plan a trip and get that bait in the water!
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 years and older. Arizona fishing licenses are available on the Arizona Game and Fish website, and a variety of authorized license dealers throughout the state.
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