Top Channel Catfish Fishing Countries

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is a freshwater fish native to North America, recognized for its distinctive whisker-like barbels and spotted, slender body. Prized for its mild flavor and adaptability, the channel catfish is both a popular sport fish and a cornerstone of commercial aquaculture. The United States leads the world in channel catfish production, particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, where large-scale pond farming dominates the industry. In recent decades, countries such as China and Vietnam have expanded their aquaculture operations to include channel catfish, leveraging the species’ rapid growth and resilience. While wild channel catfish are still caught throughout North America’s rivers and lakes, the bulk of global harvest now comes from managed aquaculture, making channel catfish one of the most important farmed fish species worldwide.

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