Blue catfish in California
Where blue catfish live in California, with limits.
- see ruledaily bag
- 113 lbs., 5 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of California: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
_(52880431802).jpg){kind=link}
Angling for blue catfish across the state
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is a fresh water species CDFW lists in its catfish group. Bag and size (Statewide (except listed areas)): see rule, none.
The California record is 113 lbs., 5 oz. from San Vicente Reservoir (2008).
Rules for blue catfish
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (except listed areas) | see rule | none | All year, except closures under special regulations |
| Colorado River District | 10 a day | none | All year |
| Southern District (waters not listed separately) | 10 a day | none | All year |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Record blue catfish from California
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Bait | 113 lbs., 5 oz. | San Vicente Reservoir | 2008 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Related to blue catfish
- Channel catfishcatfish
- Flathead catfishcatfish
- White catfishcatfish
- Brown bullheadcatfish
Short answers on blue catfish
Does California set a size limit on blue catfish?
see rule (Statewide (except listed areas)), size none.
Is there a state record for blue catfish?
113 lbs., 5 oz. from San Vicente Reservoir (2008).
Where in California should I fish for blue catfish?
Its range is described above.
Will CDFW plant blue catfish this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do blue catfish get?
Scientific name Ictalurus furcatus.
When can I target blue catfish?
All year, except closures under special regulations
Do I need a license for blue catfish?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for blue catfish?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase blue catfish statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.