Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish in Kotzebue, Alaska? While it sounds improbable, isolated populations *can* sometimes turn up in unexpected places due to stocking efforts (legal or otherwise) or natural range expansion after extreme weather events. If you're determined to try, focus your efforts on the Kobuk River drainage, particularly the warmer, slower-moving sections furthest inland. Look for areas with muddy bottoms, submerged logs, and deep holes where catfish might find refuge. Summer offers the best chance, when water temperatures are at their peak (relatively speaking for the Arctic!). Keep in mind that if you do manage to catch a catfish this far north, it's likely to be a rare and potentially vulnerable individual. Practice catch-and-release to help protect any potential local population. Check local regulations carefully, as targeted catfish fishing isn't likely addressed specifically, so general freshwater rules will apply. Be prepared for skepticism from locals – you'll be fishing for a species they probably didn't know existed in their backyard!