Pennsylvania Proposes New Catfish Fishing Rules for Ohio River Basin

Changes aim to protect growing blue and flathead catfish populations in western Pennsylvania waterways.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a grid of stylized catfish icons in bright neon colors, conceptually representing the regulation of this iconic freshwater species.The vibrant colors and bold graphic style of this pop art illustration capture the energy and importance of the proposed changes to catfish regulations in western Pennsylvania's waterways.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is considering new fishing regulations for blue and flathead catfish in the Ohio River Basin, starting in 2027. The proposal would make blue catfish a 'catch and release only' species, and limit flathead catfish to a daily catch of four, with only one allowed over 35 inches. These changes are intended to help restore and protect the native catfish populations in the region.

Why it matters

The Ohio River Basin, including the Three Rivers around Pittsburgh, is home to growing populations of blue and flathead catfish. The proposed regulations aim to ensure a sustainable future for these large, long-lived fish species by limiting harvest and allowing the populations to naturally reproduce.

The details

The new regulations would only apply to the Ohio River Basin in Pennsylvania, where blue and flathead catfish are native species. For blue catfish, the proposal is to make them 'catch and release only' to help establish a naturally reproducing population. For flathead catfish, the daily limit would be four fish, with only one allowed to be over 35 inches long. Currently, catfish have a daily limit of 50 with no size restrictions.

  • The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will discuss the proposed catfish regulations at their April 27 board meeting.
  • If approved, the new rules would take effect in 2027.

The players

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

The state agency responsible for managing Pennsylvania's fish and aquatic resources, including proposing and implementing new fishing regulations.

Gary Smith

Area 8 fisheries manager for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, who provided details on the proposed catfish regulations.

Joe Granata

An avid catfish angler from Beaver County, Pennsylvania who supports the proposed changes to protect the fishery.

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What they’re saying

“I think this would be fantastic for our fishery and it will protect the bigger fish and they can be here so my kids will have a chance to catch them.”

— Joe Granata, Avid Catfish Angler

“The goal of the blue catfish restoration plan is to establish a natural reproducing population.”

— Gary Smith, Area 8 Fisheries Manager, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

What’s next

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will vote on the proposed catfish regulations at their April 27 board meeting. If approved, the new rules would take effect in 2027.

The takeaway

The proposed catfish regulations aim to protect the growing populations of blue and flathead catfish in western Pennsylvania's waterways, ensuring a sustainable future for these large, native fish species that are prized by anglers.