In the world of fishing, there are always friendly competitions to see who can catch the biggest fish. Many states even keep records for the largest fish ever caught in their state’s waters. Approximately 18% of sport fishing in Arkansas revolves around catfish. There are three species of catfish common in Arkansas: the blue catfish, the flathead catfish, and the channel catfish. Today, we’re taking a look at the largest channel catfish ever caught in Arkansas.
About Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are native to North America and are the most fished catfish species on the continent.
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Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are the most widely distributed and most fished catfish species in the United States. They are native to North America and can be found across the U.S. and parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico. They generally prefer warm, freshwater habitats in rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, reservoirs, and even swamps.
These catfish are generally grey to blue-grey on the top and sides, with a silvery-white belly. They often have dark spots. These catfish have a scaleless body, forked tails, eight whisker-like barbels around their mouth, and hard, sharp spines in their pectoral and dorsal fins. Channel catfish grow to an average of about 2 feet long and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. However, there are always exceptions.
The Largest Channel Catfish Ever Caught in Arkansas
The 38-pound catfish caught by Joe Holleman set a record that has been standing since 1989.
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On Friday, June 2, 1989, angler Joe Holleman of Waldron took his visiting relatives fishing in Lake Ouachita. His relatives had to return to California on the 6th, so Friday night was their only chance to fish. The family was drift-fishing in the upper section of the lake near the mouth of Muddy Creek. Despite the wind, the family caught a total of 11 catfish using chicken liver as bait. Most of the fish were less than 3 pounds — with one massive exception.
At around 3:00 a.m. on the morning of June 3, Mr. Holleman landed the largest channel catfish ever caught in Arkansas. The record-breaking catfish weighed a whopping 38 pounds. The previous record was a 22-pound catfish caught in 1985.
Record-Breaking Fish Caught in Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita, pictured above, is a popular fishing destination near Hot Springs.
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As mentioned above, the largest channel catfish ever caught in Arkansas was taken from Lake Ouachita. Located in the center of the state near Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita is part of Lake Ouachita State Park ecosystem. The lake is actually a reservoir. It was created when the Ouachita River was dammed for hydropower and flood control by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1954.
Lake Ouachita is the largest lake located entirely in the state of Arkansas. The lake covers 40,000 acres, with 690 miles of shoreline and more than 200 islands. Lake Ouachita is a popular destination for anglers looking for largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, walleye, and of course, catfish. Two other state records have been set in Lake Ouachita, including records for yellow bass and river redhorse.
