Blue catfish on some border waters (Rio Grande, Red River) have special regulations. Flathead catfish may have different limits on specific waters.
Popular Texas Waters
Red River
Lake Texoma
Lake Livingston
Brazos River
Colorado River
Tips for Texas Channel Catfish Fishing
Texas has excellent catfish fishing statewide in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Night fishing in summer is particularly productive for channel catfish.
Cut shad, chicken liver, and stink bait are traditional and effective baits.
Common Questions
There is no statewide minimum length for channel catfish in Texas. The daily bag limit is 25 fish. Blue and flathead catfish may have different regulations on certain waters.
Lake Texoma (bordering Oklahoma) and the Red River are renowned for massive blue catfish. The Brazos River and many Texas reservoirs also have excellent channel catfish populations.
Important: Fishing regulations change annually. This page reflects regulations for 2026 but always verify current rules with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before fishing. Some waters have special regulations that differ from the statewide rules.