Thames catfish

Flathead catfish are native to all US states bordering the great lakes. They are not new or exotic. We don't have many here due to limited habitat, as they are a fish of large rivers like the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississipi. They can survive in southern Michigan and Minnesota, which is just as cold in winter as southern Ontario. I've caught a couple small juveniles 40 years ago from the Detroit river fishing from the bank. They were not channel cats or bullheads. The lower Thames is probably the only siutable river for them, and if established would be a real sportfish for sure. As far as protest about non-native fish, few would complain about king salmon, brown trout, or smallmouth bass(transplanted in buckets across much of ontario) to name a few. Climate change is here, as are harmful invasive species like asian carp and zebra/quagga mussels. I for one would be glad to tangle with the big whiskered brawler that is also fine table fare according to our American friends. Muskies and walleyes were once native to mainly rivers and have been transplanted to most lakes in the US midwest states, so while some introductions/natural invasions are bad others can be good for fishermen.
 
Good for some, more then likely bad for others. Our fisheries are under enough pressure let alone introducing a glutton into the mix. So what's the deal then is it a catch and kill like the goby situation.
 
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