Blue catfish Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for blue catfish.
- 121.5 lbstate record
- 159lakes rated
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
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Blue catfish in Texas
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is a freshwater species in Texas. Largest freshwater sport fish in Texas per TPWD. The Texas rod and reel record is 121.5 pounds from Texoma, set in 2004. TPWD rates 159 Texas lakes for this fish; 39 of them as excellent.
When and where to find blue catfish in Texas
When
Moves upstream in summer for cooler water and downstream in winter
Where they hold
Large-river fish: main channels, tributaries and impoundments of major rivers; Absent from the Panhandle
Blue catfish facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for blue catfish
Texas lakes rated for blue catfish, best rating first, then by size.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Excellent for blue catfish; 114,500 acres in Jasper County.
See detailsLake Livingston
Excellent for blue catfish; 90,000 acres in Polk County and San Jacinto County.
See detailsFalcon International Reservoir
Excellent for blue catfish; 83,654 acres in Zapata County and Starr County.
See detailsLake Texoma
Excellent for blue catfish; 74,686 acres in Grayson County.
See detailsRichland Chambers Reservoir
Excellent for blue catfish; 41,356 acres in Freestone County.
See detailsLake Tawakoni
Excellent for blue catfish; 37,879 acres in Van Zandt County and Rains County.
See detailsCedar Creek Reservoir
Excellent for blue catfish; 32,623 acres in Henderson County.
See detailsLewisville Lake
Excellent for blue catfish; 29,592 acres in Denton County.
See detailsLake Fork
Excellent for blue catfish; 27,264 acres in Hopkins County and Rains County.
See detailsChoke Canyon Reservoir
Excellent for blue catfish; 25,670 acres in Live Oak County and McMullen County.
See detailsLake Palestine
Excellent for blue catfish; 25,560 acres in Cherokee County.
See detailsLake Buchanan
Excellent for blue catfish; 22,211 acres in Burnet County County and Llano County.
See detailsTexas limits for blue catfish
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue catfish | 25 | 25 combined channel/blue and hybrids; only 10 may be 20 in. or longer |
Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Lake Abilene, Belton Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Caddo Lake, Calaveras Lake, Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Conroe, Fayette County Reservoir, Hubbard Creek Reservoir, Kirby Lake, Lake Lavon, Lewisville Lake, Lake Livingston, Lake Palestine and Proctor Lake.
Blue catfish limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for blue catfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 59.3 | 46 | Moss | 2007 |
| fly fishing | 35.5 | 42 | Bardwell | 2015 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 121.5 | 58 | Texoma | 2004 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 42.78 | 42.5 | Sabine Lake | 2005 |
Blue catfish records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks blue catfish
- Bob Sandlin552,082 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Calaveras424,386 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Proctor380,046 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Aquilla240,498 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Brownwood222,291 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Brazos Lake24,502 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Fort Parker State Park19,827 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Harlingen Sports Complex337 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Bruce Central Park (Seagoville)200 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Blue catfish stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about blue catfish in Texas
What is the Texas state record blue catfish?
121.5 pounds, caught at Texoma in 2004, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for blue catfish in Texas?
25 a day statewide.
Where is the best blue catfish fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Livingston, Falcon International Reservoir and Lake Texoma excellent, among others.
When do blue catfish spawn or bite best in Texas?
Moves upstream in summer for cooler water and downstream in winter.
Where do blue catfish hold?
Large-river fish: main channels, tributaries and impoundments of major rivers; Absent from the Panhandle.
Do any Texas lakes have special blue catfish rules?
Yes: Lake Abilene, Belton Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Caddo Lake and Calaveras Lake, among others.
Does TPWD stock blue catfish?
Yes. The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was Bob Sandlin.
Do I need a license to fish for blue catfish in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting blue catfish need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of blue catfish?
Ictalurus furcatus.
Can I keep blue catfish caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same blue catfish limits, and no license is needed inside the park.
Other Texas species
More Texas fish like blue catfish: limits, records and best water.