Current fingerling production hinges on the culture practice of placing ripe broodfish in ponds early each spring and providing suitable spawning containers. Containers come in a variety of shapes and are commonly made of plastic or metal for ease of handling and long life. Container placement in the water 2 to 3 feet deep, setting on bottom as level as possible, gives the best results. Plastic fish baskets, coolers, and wash tubs have been used with success to collect egg masses and to transport them to the hatchery. Fish mate at random as their normal cycles allow, with each female spawning only once, while males may mate with several females over the course of the season.
Males guard and tend the egg masses and are normally found in or around the containers.
Seasonal spawning success for channel catfish in ponds varies widely, but 40 to 60 percent of total females spawned is considered excellent, and rates as low as 20 to 30 percent are common. Not all factors that affect spawning success are understood, but some conditions, such as dissolved oxygen levels and water temperature, have been researched. Fingerling producers who properly plan their broodstock selections, feeding strategies, and adequately prepare ponds routinely have greater success rates. Fish Mature fish are essential to spawning success. Brooders should be at least 3 years in age and weigh at least 3 pounds.