Habitat Use and Movement of Channel Catfish in a Midwestern River Using Acoustic Telemetry

Channel Catfish Ictalurus Punctatus are one of the most sought after commercial and sport fish species throughout the Mississippi River Basin.  Understanding seasonal habitat preference and movement behavior is essential to properly manage the species in a lotic system.  Since September 2014, we tagged 15 Channel Catfish with acoustic transmitters within a 16-km reach of the lower Wabash River.  To locate fish we conducted seasonal 24-hour active tracking supplemented with site specific tracking.  Habitat parameters were recorded at each location.  Of the 15 tagged fish, one individual has been harvested and six individuals have been located more than once.  We found Channel Catfish occupying a 2-km reach with most fish being located along rip rap banks, sand bars, and main channel habitat.  Other habitats occupied included log jams and tributary mouths and all catfish were found between 1 and 12 m in depth.  During 24-hour tracking, distance moved per hour ranged from 1–396 m with Channel Catfish being most active at night.  Monitoring movement patterns and seasonal habitat preference will help managers determine at which scale these fish should be managed to maintain a sustainable, healthy, and economically productive fishery.