The channel catfish is the state fish for Nebraska. It is also the unofficial state fish for Kansas, so we'll give it a nod for that as well. This is cache #10 in a series of 27 caches honoring Kansas and Nebraska state symbols along State Line Road.
The channel catfish, also known as ictalurus punctatus, is North America's most plentiful catfish species and one of three catfish species native to Nebraska, the others being the Flathead (or yellow) catfish and the blue catfish. Their range covers the entire state. Channel catfish are highly adaptable, being able to thrive in deep or shallow water, as well as small ponds, large lakes, streams or fast-moving rivers. They are known for being hearty and being able to live in dirty water where other species cannot survive as well. Four other states claim the channel catfish as their state fish. It is the most heavily fished-for catfish in North America. Channel catfish also have one of the widest diet varieties of any North American fish. They'll eat live fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, nightcrawlers, dead and decaying fish and animal parts, prepared baits, corn, shrimp and salamanders, among other things. The channel catfish also happens to be Trainluvr79's favorite fish to catch and eat. :)