Bullhead Catfish in Pennsylvania
Seasons, the record and stocking for bullhead catfish.
- 50 (combined specieslimit
- 4 lb 10 ozrecord
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Where bullhead catfish fit in Pennsylvania fishing
Pennsylvania lists Bullhead catfish (Ameiurus spp.) as game fish, regulated in 2 water classes. For commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing the PFBC sets 50 (combined species) and a season of open year-round.
The record entry lists 4 lb 10 oz from Beltzville Lake, Ian C. Radler, 2011.
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| Water class | Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth inland waters | Commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under Lake Erie, Pymatuning, Conowingo or Delaware River and Estuary rules or | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
| Lake Erie | Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters and tributaries | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (PA Fish and Boat Commission; in effect or proposed as of October 1, 2025, PDF revised February 27, 2026), page 10 to 14. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
PFBC record entries for bullhead catfish
| Entry | Weight | Angler | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish, Bullhead | 4 lb 10 oz | Ian C. Radler | Beltzville Lake | Carbon | 2011 |
PFBC State Record Fish page, retrieved October 23, 2026; records are kept by weight only.
Where bullhead catfish live in the Commonwealth
Still water holding bullhead catfish
- Beltzville Lake946 acres
PFBC species listings, Class A and stocked trout layers, the 2026 stocking schedule and state records; largest waters first.
Permitted guides who mention bullhead catfish
- Hooked On Catfishingcharter, Highspire, (717) 304-9843
- Battlecat Catfishing Guide Servicefishing guide, Mt Joy, (717) 344-0540
Fish listed alongside bullhead catfish
- Rock Bassgame fish
- White Bassgame fish
- Bluegillgame fish
- Pumpkinseedgame fish
- Redbreast Sunfishgame fish
- Crappiegame fish
- Yellow Perchgame fish
- White Perchgame fish
- Channel Catfishgame fish
- Flathead Catfishgame fish
- Common Carpgame fish
- Freshwater Drumgame fish
Photographs of lakes and creeks by Bullhead Catfish
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael A. Orlando, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ameer Attia, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Cbaile19, CC0 1.0
Keystone bullhead catfish: the questions that come up
What is the Pennsylvania creel limit for bullhead catfish?
50 (combined species) on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing, season open year-round; other water classes have their own rows.
What is the state record bullhead catfish in Pennsylvania?
4 lb 10 oz from Beltzville Lake in Carbon County, caught by Ian C. Radler in 2011.
Which waters list bullhead catfish?
1 water page here list it, led by Beltzville Lake.
Do Pennsylvania hatcheries raise bullhead catfish?
It is not stocked on the 2026 lists.
What family name do biologists use for bullhead catfish?
Ameiurus spp.; listed as game fish.
What dates cover bullhead catfish?
Open year-round on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing.
Which Pennsylvania license and permit cover bullhead catfish?
Anyone 16 or older needs a Pennsylvania fishing license: $27.97 for residents, $60.97 for nonresidents and $14.47 for resident seniors, fees included.
Is a permitted Pennsylvania guide available for bullhead catfish?
2 listings mention it, among them Hooked On Catfishing.
Plan a bullhead catfish trip
Open any listed water for ramps and seasons.