Last updated: June 25, 2026
Quick Answer: June 25 Catfish Day, officially known as National Catfish Day, is an annual American food observance held every June 25. It was established by Presidential Proclamation 5672 on June 25, 1987, when President Ronald Reagan formally recognized the importance of farm-raised catfish to American agriculture and cuisine. The day encourages the public to celebrate catfish through cooking, fishing, and community events.
Key Takeaways
- National Catfish Day falls on June 25 every year, with the 2026 observance landing on Thursday, June 25.
- The holiday was created by Proclamation 5672, signed by President Reagan in 1987 following House Joint Resolution 178.
- The proclamation specifically honors farm-raised catfish, not just wild-caught varieties.
- It is a cultural observance, not a federal public holiday, meaning government offices and banks remain open.
- Catfish is the most widely consumed farm-raised fish in the United States, making the day economically significant for Southern states.
- Celebrations range from backyard fish fries and restaurant specials to fishing tournaments and community festivals.
- Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish are the most popular species for eating and sport fishing.
- Catfish is a lean, protein-rich fish with notable levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium.
What Is June 25 Catfish Day?
June 25 Catfish Day is the annual American observance honoring catfish as both a food source and a cultural icon, particularly in the Southern United States. The day was formally created when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5672 on June 25, 1987, after Congress passed House Joint Resolution 178 designating that date as “National Catfish Day.” [10]
The proclamation explicitly recognizes the “value of farm-raised catfish” and calls on Americans to observe the day “with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” [10] This framing set the tone for decades of celebration centered on catfish farming, cooking, and regional food traditions.
In 2026, National Catfish Day falls on Thursday, June 25, and is observed as a one-day annual event. [9]
Where Did Catfish Day Originate?
National Catfish Day originated from a formal act of the U.S. federal government in 1987. Congress passed House Joint Resolution 178, which was then signed into law by President Reagan as Proclamation 5672 on June 25, 1987. [10]
The proclamation was driven by the rapid growth of the U.S. catfish farming industry, which had become a major agricultural sector, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. By the mid-1980s, farm-raised catfish had transformed from a regional delicacy into a nationally distributed food product, and the federal government moved to recognize that economic and cultural contribution.
Key facts about the origin:
- Year: 1987
- Legal basis: Proclamation 5672 / House Joint Resolution 178
- President: Ronald Reagan
- Core focus: Farm-raised catfish and its value to American agriculture
- Date chosen: June 25, which became the fixed annual date [10]
Is Catfish Day a Real Holiday?
National Catfish Day is a real, government-recognized observance, but it is not a federal public holiday. The original Proclamation 5672 applied specifically to June 25, 1987, and no subsequent federal law has formally renewed it as a recurring statutory holiday. [10]
Despite this, contemporary awareness-day calendars and event trackers consistently list National Catfish Day every June 25, treating it as a fixed annual observance derived from the 1987 designation. [9] Public radio stations, restaurants, and regional media outlets treat it as a recurring food holiday each year. [2][6]
The practical distinction matters for planning:
- Government offices, schools, and banks remain open.
- No paid time off is legally required.
- Celebrations are community-driven and voluntary.
- Restaurants and retailers often run promotions independently.
Why Is June 25 Catfish Day Celebrated?
June 25 Catfish Day is celebrated to honor the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of catfish in American life, especially in the South. The 1987 proclamation made the reasoning explicit: farm-raised catfish had become a cornerstone of American aquaculture, and the industry deserved national recognition. [10]
Beyond agriculture, catfish holds deep cultural roots. In Southern cooking traditions, fried catfish is a staple at family gatherings, church fish fries, and community festivals. The day gives people a reason to gather around a shared food tradition and support local fisheries and restaurants.
Reasons people observe the day:
- To celebrate Southern food culture and heritage
- To support domestic catfish farmers and the aquaculture industry
- To enjoy catfish recipes, from classic fried fillets to grilled and blackened preparations
- To participate in fishing tournaments and outdoor activities
- To take advantage of restaurant deals and grocery specials
Catfish Day Traditions by Region
Catfish Day traditions vary significantly by geography, reflecting the fish’s uneven cultural footprint across the United States.
Deep South (Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana) This is the heartland of catfish farming and celebration. Community fish fries are common, often organized by churches, civic groups, or local governments. Mississippi, the top catfish-producing state in the U.S., sees the most concentrated activity, with festivals and farm tours occasionally organized around the date.
Midwest (Iowa, Missouri, Illinois) The Mississippi River and its tributaries make catfish a popular sport fish in the Midwest. Fishing tournaments and river-side cookouts are a common way to mark the day. Iowa anglers, for example, regularly pursue large blue and channel catfish in major river systems. [3]
Gulf Coast The Gulf Coast adds a unique twist: saltwater catfish species, such as the hardhead catfish and gafftopsail catfish, are present in coastal waters. [8] This broadens the day’s relevance beyond freshwater farming traditions.
Urban areas nationwide In cities with large Southern diaspora communities, catfish restaurants and soul food establishments often run June 25 specials, bringing the tradition to a national audience.
How Do People Celebrate June 25 Catfish Day?
People celebrate June 25 Catfish Day through food, fishing, and community events. WKNO FM, Memphis public radio, frames the day as a Southern food celebration focused on cooking approaches and recipes. [2]
Common ways to celebrate:
- Cook a catfish meal at home using classic Southern recipes or experimenting with new preparations
- Visit a local catfish restaurant and look for June 25 specials
- Organize or attend a fish fry with family, friends, or a community group
- Go catfish fishing at a local lake, river, or pond
- Visit a catfish farm if one is open for tours in your region
- Share recipes and photos on social media using hashtags like #NationalCatfishDay
- Try a new recipe, such as blackened catfish tacos or catfish po’boys, to go beyond the traditional fried fillet
Best Catfish Recipes for Catfish Day
The most popular catfish recipes for June 25 Catfish Day include Southern fried catfish, blackened catfish, and catfish po’boys. WKNO FM’s coverage of the 2024 and 2026 observances highlighted fried catfish and remoulade sauce as centerpiece recipes for the holiday. [2][6]
| Recipe | Cooking Method | Flavor Profile | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Fried Catfish | Deep-fry or pan-fry | Crispy, savory, mild | Beginner |
| Blackened Catfish | Cast-iron skillet | Spicy, smoky, bold | Beginner |
| Catfish Po’boy | Pan-fry + assemble | Tangy, crunchy, rich | Beginner |
| Grilled Catfish | Outdoor grill | Smoky, light, clean | Intermediate |
| Catfish Stew | Stovetop simmer | Hearty, savory, warming | Intermediate |
| Catfish with Remoulade | Pan-fry + sauce | Zesty, creamy, Southern | Intermediate |
Tips for best results:
- Use fresh or properly thawed farm-raised fillets for the mildest flavor.
- Soak fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes before frying to reduce any muddy taste.
- Season cornmeal breading with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Serve immediately after frying for maximum crunch.
What Types of Catfish Are Best to Eat?
The three catfish species most commonly eaten in the United States are channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Farm-raised channel catfish dominate the commercial market and are the species most closely associated with National Catfish Day. [10]
- Channel catfish: Mild, slightly sweet flavor; the most widely farmed species in the U.S.; widely available in grocery stores and restaurants.
- Blue catfish: Larger fillets, firmer texture, slightly stronger flavor; popular in the Chesapeake Bay region and the Mississippi River system.
- Flathead catfish: Considered by many anglers to be the best-tasting wild catfish; firm, white flesh with a clean flavor.
For cooking, farm-raised channel catfish is the most consistent choice because its diet is controlled, producing a predictable, mild flavor without the muddy undertones sometimes found in wild-caught fish.
Catfish Nutrition and Health Benefits
Catfish is a lean, nutrient-dense protein source that fits well into a balanced diet. A standard 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of cooked catfish provides roughly 105 calories, approximately 18 grams of protein, and around 3 grams of fat, making it one of the lower-calorie fish options available.
Key nutrients in catfish:
- Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety
- Vitamin B12: Critical for nerve function and red blood cell production
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Support cardiovascular and brain health
- Selenium: An antioxidant mineral that supports immune function
- Phosphorus: Important for bone health
Catfish is also low in mercury compared to larger predatory fish like tuna or swordfish, making it a safer choice for frequent consumption, including for pregnant women and children (based on general FDA dietary guidance).
Note: Frying catfish in oil significantly increases calorie and fat content. Grilling, baking, or broiling preserves more of the nutritional profile.
How to Catch Catfish for Catfish Day
Catching catfish for June 25 Catfish Day is achievable for anglers of all skill levels. Catfish are found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across most of the continental United States.
Basic setup:
- Rod and reel: A medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod (7-foot) handles most catfish sizes.
- Line: 15-30 lb monofilament or braided line depending on target size.
- Hooks: Circle hooks in size 2/0 to 5/0 reduce gut-hooking and improve catch-and-release survival.
- Bait: Cut shad, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercial stink baits are all effective.
Best times and locations:
- Fish near the bottom, where catfish feed.
- Early morning and after dark are peak feeding times.
- Look for deep holes, submerged logs, and river bends.
- Iowa’s major rivers, for example, hold massive channel and blue catfish that attract serious anglers. [3]
Regulations: Always check your state’s fishing license requirements and size/bag limits before heading out. Regulations vary by state and species.
Catfish Farming Facts for Catfish Day
Farm-raised catfish is the foundation of National Catfish Day, as explicitly stated in Proclamation 5672. [10] The U.S. catfish farming industry is centered in the Mississippi Delta region and represents a significant segment of American aquaculture.
Key facts about U.S. catfish farming:
- Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana are the top producing states.
- Farm-raised catfish are typically grown in earthen ponds and fed a grain-based diet, which produces a milder flavor than wild-caught fish.
- The industry supports thousands of jobs in rural Southern communities.
- Farm-raised catfish in the U.S. is subject to USDA inspection, making it one of the most regulated seafood products sold domestically.
- Catfish farming is considered relatively sustainable compared to ocean fisheries because it uses controlled pond environments and does not deplete wild stocks.
Catfish Day Events Near Me and Deals to Watch For
Finding June 25 Catfish Day events and deals requires checking local sources, as there is no single national event registry. The best approach is to search locally in the days leading up to June 25.
Where to look for events:
- Local restaurant social media pages and websites
- Community Facebook groups and Nextdoor
- State fish and wildlife agency event calendars
- Local news outlets and public radio stations (such as WKNO FM in the Memphis area) [2]
- Catfish farming association websites in Southern states
Types of deals commonly offered:
- Discounted catfish platters or entrees at Southern and soul food restaurants
- Grocery store sales on fresh or frozen catfish fillets
- Fishing supply store promotions on tackle and bait
- Free or reduced-price admission to fishing tournaments
Planning tip: Search for “National Catfish Day + [your city]” in the week before June 25 to find the most current local listings.
Catfish Day vs. Other Fishing and Food Holidays
June 25 Catfish Day stands apart from other fishing and food holidays because of its formal presidential proclamation, its specific focus on a single species, and its strong regional identity.
| Holiday | Date | Focus | Federal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Catfish Day | June 25 | Farm-raised catfish, Southern food culture | Presidential Proclamation 5672 (1987) |
| National Fish and Chip Day | First Friday in June | British-style fish and chips | None (UK cultural observance) |
| National Fishing and Boating Week | First full week of June | Recreational fishing broadly | Congressional designation |
| National Seafood Month | October | All seafood categories | Congressional designation |
Catfish Day is more specific and regionally rooted than broad seafood observances. Its presidential origin gives it a level of formal legitimacy that most food awareness days lack, even if it does not carry the weight of a federal public holiday.
FAQ
What date is National Catfish Day in 2026? National Catfish Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The date is fixed to June 25 every year regardless of the day of the week. [9]
Who created National Catfish Day? President Ronald Reagan created National Catfish Day by signing Proclamation 5672 on June 25, 1987, following the passage of House Joint Resolution 178 by Congress. [10]
Is National Catfish Day a federal holiday? No. National Catfish Day is a cultural and food observance, not a federal public holiday. Government offices, banks, and schools remain open. [10]
What is the best way to cook catfish for Catfish Day? Southern fried catfish is the most traditional preparation. Soaking fillets in buttermilk, coating in seasoned cornmeal, and frying until golden produces the classic result. Grilling and blackening are popular lower-fat alternatives. [2][6]
Does catfish day apply to saltwater catfish too? Yes, saltwater catfish species such as the hardhead catfish and gafftopsail catfish exist along the Gulf Coast, and the day is relevant to those species as well. [8]
Where is catfish most popular in the United States? Catfish is most popular in the Deep South, particularly Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where catfish farming is concentrated and fried catfish is a staple of local cuisine.
What is the most commonly farmed catfish species? Channel catfish is the most widely farmed species in the United States and the primary fish associated with the commercial catfish industry recognized in Proclamation 5672. [10]
Are there future dates already confirmed for National Catfish Day? Yes. The date is fixed to June 25 each year. Future observances fall on June 25, 2027 (Friday), June 25, 2028 (Sunday), June 25, 2029 (Monday), and June 25, 2030 (Tuesday). [9]
Is farm-raised catfish healthy? Farm-raised catfish is a lean protein source with good levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium. It is low in mercury, making it suitable for regular consumption.
How can someone find Catfish Day events locally? Check local restaurant social media pages, community event boards, state wildlife agency calendars, and local news outlets in the week before June 25. [2]
Conclusion
June 25 Catfish Day is more than a quirky food observance. It carries a formal presidential origin, reflects decades of Southern agricultural heritage, and gives communities a concrete reason to gather around a shared table. Whether the goal is to cook a new catfish recipe, cast a line at a local river, support a nearby catfish restaurant, or simply learn more about where farm-raised catfish comes from, the day offers something practical for nearly everyone.
Actionable next steps for June 25:
- Check local restaurant and grocery store websites for June 25 deals and specials.
- Pick one new catfish recipe to try, whether fried, grilled, or blackened.
- If fishing is an option, obtain a valid state fishing license and head to a nearby river or lake.
- Share the history of Proclamation 5672 with friends or family to add context to the celebration.
- Support domestic catfish farmers by choosing U.S.-raised catfish at the grocery store, identifiable by USDA inspection marks.
The next June 25 Catfish Day is always one year away. Starting the planning now makes the celebration more intentional and more enjoyable.
References
[2] National Catfish Day Is June 25 – https://www.wknofm.org/theweeklydish/2026-06-23/national-catfish-day-is-june-25
[3] Massive Near Record Catfish Still Out There For Iowa Anglers – https://www.inkl.com/news/massive-near-record-catfish-still-out-there-for-iowa-anglers
[6] June 25 Is National Catfish Day – https://www.wknofm.org/theweeklydish/2024-06-25/june-25-is-national-catfish-day
[8] It S National Catfish Day Yes They Also Exist In Saltwater – https://www.gulfshoresnews.com/it-s-national-catfish-day-yes-they-also-exist-in-saltwater
[9] National Catfish Day – https://time.now/events/national-catfish-day/
[10] Proclamation 5672 National Catfish Day 1987 – https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation-5672-national-catfish-day-1987