The Cage Culture of Channel Catfish in Iowa and related Management Implications by Larry Mitzner and Robert Middendorf, 1975

(1975) The Cage Culture of Channel Catfish in Iowa and related Management Implications by Larry Mitzner and Robert Middendorf, 1975. Natural Resources, Department of

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Abstract

Channel catfish are one of the most widely sought sport fish species in Iowa and have been managed as a fishery resource since the inception of the Iowa Fish Commission in 1874. A recent public survey of Iowa fishermen revealed 16% of the anglers interviewed indicated they preferred t o catch channel catfish. In fact, catfish were surpassed only by bullhead and crappie in the poll. Many inland lakes were stocked with catfish from the Mississippi River as early as 1876. Intensive stocking programs using fish from the river continued into the 1950's when hatchery fish became the main source. Hatchery production of 2- 3 inch fingerlings was used mainly to stock newly impounded man-made lakes, and to a lesser extent, farm ponds. Recreational lakes that already contained adult fish populations were also stocked with fingerlings to supplement catfish populations.