Proposal pushes for catfish harvest limits

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials say the fast-growing number of catfish taken has forced them to propose changing harvest rules to help protect public catfish resources.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife proposal seeks to increase the existing 10-inch minimum size limit on channel, flathead and blue catfish to 15 inches. A daily limit of one channel, flathead or blue catfish 28 inches or longer is also included in the plan.

The state currently has no limit on the number of large catfish that can be taken by licensed sport and commercial fishers both in inland waters and the Ohio River.

Public hearings will be held in Vincennes on March 21 and Indianapolis on March 22 to discuss the plan.