Freshwater · Late spring through early fall; best after dark
Yellow Catfish
Tachysurus fulvidraco
A pocket-sized catfish with an outsized reputation at the table, the yellow catfish is China's favourite small bottom fish — bold after dark and delicate on light tackle.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Small, smooth, scaleless catfish — yellowish brown above, yellowish white below
- Four pairs of barbels around the mouth (eight in total)
- Irregular dark mottled patches along the sides
- Short dorsal fin with a serrated spine; small adipose fin; deeply forked tail
Habits
- Bottom feeder of slow rivers, lakes and ponds across East Asia
- Feeds mostly at night on shrimp, insect larvae and small fish
- Males guard the eggs in bank holes during the summer spawn
- Handle with care: the dorsal and pectoral spines can prick, and the sting is painful
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Slow river margins and lake bottoms after dark
- Muddy bays rich in shrimp and snail life
- Around bridge footings and bank holes
Where they live
How to catch them
Night ledgering River
Rig: Light running lead, size 8-10 hook, bait hard on the bottom
Bait/lure: Earthworm bunches, shrimp, blood-rich dough
Key tip: Yellow catfish hunt by smell after dark — fish scent-heavy baits and give the bite time to develop.
Light float over groundbait River
Rig: Fine float rig fished over a small bed of crumbled groundbait at dusk
Bait/lure: Small worms, dough, shrimp pieces
Key tip: Strike early; these little catfish swallow small hooks quickly.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light spinning or float rod
- Line: 4-8 lb mono
- Terminal: Small leads, size 8-12 hooks, fine floats
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 4-8 in and a few ounces; large fish to about 13 in, still under 1 lb
On the table
Excellent — a favourite Chinese soup and stew fish.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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