Feeding Channel Catfish

WHY FEED CHANNEL CATFISH?

• More fish can be stocked in your pond/lake. Compare the recommended stocking rates when feeding to that of not feeding.
• Fish grow faster and are healthier. Most fish feeds have quality ingredients formulated with required vitamins and minerals to stimulate fish growth and maintenance of good health.
• Better tasting fish.
• Channel catfish have a food conversion of approximately 2 lbs. of feed to 1.0 lb. or flesh.
• Many people enjoy watching fish feed.

FEEDING YOUR CATFISH

Caution: NO NOT OVERFEED. To much feed may cause a fish kill from decomposition of the uneaten food. This is extremely important during hot summer days.

Feed your fish 4-6 days a week to achieve maximum growth and efficient feed conversion. We recommend a floating fish food (28%-36% protein) available at your local feed store. Do not use feeds formulated for domestic animals or livestock, these feeds can be difficult for fish to digest and can contaminate the water. The floating feed is desired by most catfish producers because of its management value.

The feeder can observe the fish for signs of disease and general well being. Floating feeds remain at the surface for considerable periods of time and thus are not subject to loss in bottom mud as in the sinking feed.

Always feed your fish in the same place and same time of the day to create a feeding pattern for the fish. Consumption of feed by catfish is directly related to water temperature. The optimal water temperature for growing catfish is 80-86 degrees F. Feeding is inconsistent below 70 degrees F, although catfish feed at temperatures as low as 50 degrees F, consumption is greatly reduced.

Feeding allowance is usually based on a percentage of total fish body weight in the pond/lake, usually 2-3 percent. Since it is difficult for most pond/ lake owners to determine the total body weight of their fish, we recommend the following procedure if you’re using floating feed.

Feed your fish a measured amount and observe activity for a few minutes; if fish still appear to be hungry, feed additional measured amounts for a total of 15-20 minutes. Rather than watching the fish eat every day, feed the total amount measured. Verify feed consumption at least one time each week.

In winter (water temperatures below 50 degrees F) feed only high protein sinking feed.

Feed in the deepest part of the pond once or twice a week on warmer days when there is no ice on ponds. During extremely cold weather, skip feeding until the weather breaks. Winter feeding helps prevent weight loss and helps make the fish more resistant to diseases and parasites.