When owning a farm pond for catfish, there are so many things to learn about, with spawning being an important part. This is a natural cycle that breeds even more catfish for your enjoyment, though you need to know when it happens to prepare ahead. That way, there’s nothing to worry about in terms of your catfish’ and eggs’ health.
So, when do catfish spawn in ponds anyway? Surprisingly, it’s similar to when they spawn when they are in other bodies of water! Read on as I show you the months catfish usually spawn in ponds and how they do so.
When Do Catfish Spawn In Ponds?
Catfish, just like most fish species, would begin spawning as the weather and water temperature warms up.
Typically, mature catfish will spawn once water temperatures reach 75-80 degrees F, with the male seeking out and preparing anew site in certain areas. The female will then spawn and the eggs will take about eight days to hatch then another eight days until the fry leaves the nest, with the male protecting the eggs and fry until they’re ready to leave.
Female catfish spawn only once a year, and this usually happens during the summer months. Not all of them spawn at the same time, but it varies, so you can expect some females spawning in one day, and the next “batch” in another week or month. But one thing is for sure: They spawn during summer as the water temperature is the highest, regardless of the body of water they are in.
With that in mind, you can expect catfish to spawn in ponds during June to August. This is compared to other earlier spawners like the crappie, who begin their season once spring emerges.
But take note that spawning season in farm ponds and the like will only happen when:
- You have the appropriate number of catfish, with males and females
- They live in a good pond environment suitable for living and spawning
- The catfish are healthy and the water temperatures are optimum enough, matching the overall weather
So make sure that everything else within the catfish’s pond environment is in good condition. Besides that, care for your catfish with adequate shelter and food. That way, they are healthy enough to spawn and breed yearly.
Read More: How To Tell If A Catfish Is Pregnant – 5 Quick Signs
Want to learn more about catfish in ponds and how to care for them better? Then watch this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
Catfish is a popular sport and food fish, with anglers also known to stock them up in ponds. If you care for them well, they can spawn during the summer months so you have more fry to care for, AND more food on the table. But remember that this only happens when you take account of their needs to spawn healthily!
I hope that this article answers your question, “when do catfish spawn in Florida?” Now that you know the answer, begin learning more about how to care for catfish in farm ponds now!
