Channel catfish do well in all sizes of ponds, but are excellent options for ponds smaller than one acre due to their inability to spawn without cave structures. The addition of catfish spawning structures is not recommended as they can quickly overpopulate. Channel catfish are a predatory fish that will compete with bass for food so they should not be stocked in ponds specifically designed for bass if catfish harvest is not intended. Channel catfish are commonly stocked as a backyard food source due to their rapid growth and tasty fillets. On top of natural food sources (insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish), channel catfish will readily eat floating fish feed, making them an interactive “pet” for many pondownersInstalling an automatic feeder is recommended for optimal growth.