Top Blue Catfish Fishing Countries

The Blue Catfish (*Ictalurus furcatus*) is a large freshwater catfish native to North America, particularly prominent in the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River basins. Recognized for its bluish-gray coloration and impressive size—often exceeding 100 pounds—this species is highly prized by both commercial and recreational anglers. The United States is by far the leading country for Blue Catfish fishing, with significant harvests in states such as Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Texas, where the species supports a robust recreational fishery and a growing commercial industry, especially in the Chesapeake Bay region. While Blue Catfish have been introduced to other countries, their commercial and recreational fishing remains largely concentrated in the U.S., making it the primary hub for Blue Catfish harvest and management.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.