Science Notes: Assessment of Big Rivers Blue and Flathead Catfish Fisheries

Blue catfish and flathead catfish support important recreational and commercial fisheries in Missouri. Although most sport anglers do not fish in tournaments or consider themselves trophy anglers, trophy catfish angling and catfish tournaments are increasingly popular. Studies of blue catfish and flathead catfish in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers (big rivers) were prompted by concerns about overharvest of large catfish and inadequate harvest regulations.