Tennessee State Commercial Fish

The channel catfish (Ictalurus lacustris) was designated as the Tennessee's state commercial fish in 1988. The channel catfish is a bottom feeder and can be found in most of Tennessee's lakes and streams. Be careful when handling these fiddler's as they can inflect enough pain to bring tears to anyones eyes if you happen to come in contact with their pectoral or dorsal fins. Catfish are one of Tennessee's favorite fish to cook up and serve.