Lewis and Clark Lake Catfish

Lewis and Clark Lake Channel and Flathead Catfish Regulations (For more information on Missouri River Regulations, see 2007 Fishing Handbook, pages 20-23)

*These regulations apply to waters of the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the SD-Nebraska border to the point where the river becomes entirely in SD.

• 5 fish daily/ 10 possession- channel and flathead catfish (each)

Channel catfish may be the best kept secret of the Missouri River reservoirs!  Lewis and Clark Lake is no exception with excellent numbers and sizes present.  The average channel catfish from 2006 gill net samples was nearly 20 inches in length and weighed 3 ½ pounds, with the largest fish sampled weighing in at nearly 10 pounds! 

Flathead catfish are also present in Lewis and Clark Lake and can provide angling opportunities for those willing to search for them.  During 2006, flathead catfish up to 23 inches in length were sampled; however, the sampling method used often times does not adequately sample larger sized catfish.  Larger flathead catfish may roam Lewis and Clark Lake waters!

Harvesting catfish instead of walleye will help protect our walleye population as the number of anglers continues to increase.