Catfish are present in Colorado, thriving in the state’s warmer aquatic environments. They have been a popular sport fish in warm water fisheries for decades. While some species are native to the eastern plains drainages, others have been successfully introduced and stocked across various reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. This has established a diverse population offering unique angling opportunities throughout the state.
Confirmed Catfish Species in Colorado
The most common and widespread species is the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), which is regularly stocked in reservoirs and rivers statewide. Anglers highly seek these fish for their fighting ability and size, often reaching weights over ten pounds. They are native to the Mississippi River basin tributaries, which includes the eastern portion of the state.
Colorado waters are also home to the smaller Bullhead species, primarily the Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas). Bullheads typically do not grow as large as the Channel Catfish, and the Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) is also found in some waters.
Larger species like the Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish also exist, though they are less common and localized. Flathead Catfish are robust predators known for their broad, compressed heads. These four types contribute to the varied catfish fishing found across the plains and Front Range.
Where Catfish Thrive
Catfish populations in Colorado flourish primarily in the warmer, lower-elevation waters. They prefer environments with slow-moving currents and high turbidity, which offers both cover and a rich food supply. Large irrigation-storage reservoirs and the lower stretches of major river drainages are the most productive habitats.
Concentrations are found in the South Platte and Arkansas River drainages. Specific Front Range reservoirs, such as Aurora, Chatfield, and Cherry Creek, are well-known for their strong Channel Catfish populations. Pueblo Reservoir is particularly noted for yielding state-record-sized Blue and Flathead Catfish.
These water bodies provide necessary environmental factors for catfish survival, including summer water temperatures that can exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Submerged structure, like rock piles and timber, provides ideal resting and feeding locations. This preference for warmer, often murkier, water distinguishes them from the state’s cold-water trout species.
Identification and State Records
All catfish share the identifying feature of smooth, scaleless skin and prominent barbels around the mouth. Distinguishing between the species often comes down to the shape of the caudal (tail) fin and the size of the fish. The Channel Catfish is easily identified by its deeply forked tail and scattered black spots, which fade as the fish grows larger.
In contrast, Bullheads and Flathead Catfish both possess a tail that is either rounded or only slightly notched, never deeply forked. Bullheads are characterized by their smaller adult size, rarely exceeding a few pounds. Flathead Catfish have a notably broad, flattened head and a projecting lower jaw.
The official size records for Colorado are maintained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and highlight the potential for large catches. The current state record for the Channel Catfish stands at 43 pounds, 6 ounces, caught at Aurora Reservoir in 2010. Other records include a 30-pound, 9.6-ounce Flathead Catfish and a 24-pound, 7.7-ounce Blue Catfish, both caught in Pueblo Reservoir.