National Catfish Day

National Catfish Day, observed on June 25, recognizes the U.S. catfish farming industry. The day is often linked to a 1987 presidential proclamation by Ronald Reagan. For many people, it is also a simple excuse to enjoy a catfish dinner at home or at a favorite local spot.

History of National Catfish Day

National Catfish Day is commonly traced to a 1987 proclamation that highlighted the role of farm-raised catfish in American agriculture and food culture. Over time, the date became a popular “food holiday” that many people mark by cooking catfish or learning more about how it is raised and prepared in different regions.

Interesting Facts About National Catfish Day

Catfish are known for their sensory abilities and variety across species. Here are a few commonly shared facts:

• Catfish are often described as having an exceptional sense of taste.
• Some species, such as electric catfish, can generate an electric shock.
• Blue catfish are among the largest catfish found in U.S. waters.
• Glass catfish are sometimes described as “transparent” and are popular in home aquariums.
• Catfish reproduction varies by species, but they can produce large numbers of eggs.

If you are comparing “biggest ever” records, keep in mind that different sources may list different measurements and categories.

National Catfish Day Jokes

If you want to keep the day light, here are a few family-friendly catfish jokes:

• Why did the catfish bring a suitcase? It heard the river had great current events.
• What do you call a catfish who loves music? A fin-strumentalist.
• Why did the catfish blush? It saw the bait and got hooked on the first sight.
• What do catfish say when dinner is ready? Let’s make a splash.
• Why do catfish make good detectives? They always follow the whisker leads.

A quick joke works best when it stays kind and simple.

National Catfish Day Quotes

Some writers and public figures have mentioned catfish in memorable lines. Here are a few quotes that are often shared:

• “I am an unpopular electric eel in a pool of catfish.” – Edith Sitwell
• “We have sat on the river bank and caught catfish with pin hooks. The time has come to harpoon a whale.” – John Hope

If you use quotes online, double-check wording, since variations are common.

How to Take Part in National Catfish Day

National Catfish Day can be observed in a practical way, whether you prefer cooking, dining out, or learning something new.

• Visit a catfish farm or a local fisheries center to learn how catfish are raised.
• Go fishing at a lake or river where catfish are common, following local rules and safety guidelines.
• Order catfish at a restaurant and try a regional style, such as fried, blackened, or grilled.
• Cook catfish at home and keep it simple with a basic breading, seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon.

If you are preparing catfish yourself, handle and cook it properly, just as you would with any fish.

This holiday has also been called: Catfish Day and International Catfish Day. Some sources also use names like National Catfishing Day, but that term can be confused with the unrelated online meaning of “catfishing.”

June 25 is also Leon Day and National Strawberry Parfait Day.

National Catfish Day is in June, which is: Adopt-A-Cat Month, Great Outdoors Month, LGBT Pride Month, National Candy Month, National Dairy Month, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, National Rose Month, National Turkey Lovers’ Month, and National Zoo and Aquarium Month.

When Is National Catfish Day in 2026?

National Catfish Day is observed on June 25 each year.

Observations