National Catfish Day
June 25
About National Catfish Day
National Catfish Day falls on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The day celebrates US farm-raised catfish, one of America’s most popular freshwater fish and a staple of Southern cooking. It was created by Presidential Proclamation in 1987 to recognise the catfish farming industry and encourage people to enjoy this affordable, protein-rich fish.
How to Celebrate National Catfish Day
National Catfish Day is all about getting catfish onto your plate, so the best way to mark it is to cook, order, or learn a little more about it. Here are some ideas:
- Fry up a Southern classic – Coat catfish fillets in seasoned cornmeal and shallow or deep fry them until golden. Serve with hush puppies and coleslaw for the traditional fish-fry experience.
- Try a healthier cooking method – Catfish bakes, grills, and pan-roasts beautifully. A grilled fillet with lemon and herbs makes a lighter summer meal that still keeps the fish at the centre of the plate.
- Visit a local catfish house – Many restaurants across the American South specialise in catfish. Ordering from a Cajun or soul-food spot is a tasty way to support local cooks and sample regional recipes.
- Host a summer cookout – Catfish burgers, blackened fillets, and catfish tacos all work well on a barbecue. Invite friends round and make the fish the star of the menu.
- Build a catfish sandwich – Pile a crispy fried fillet onto a soft bun with pickles, lettuce, and a spicy mayo or remoulade for a satisfying handheld meal.
- Look for the US Farm-Raised label – When you shop, check that your catfish is US farm-raised. It supports domestic growers and tends to have a milder, cleaner flavour than wild-caught fish.
- Cook with the family – Get everyone involved in dredging, frying, and plating. A shared kitchen session turns the meal into part of the celebration.
- Share your recipe – Post your catfish creation online to give others ideas and spread the word about the day. A good photo of a crispy fillet goes a long way.
What is National Catfish Day?
National Catfish Day is an annual American food observance dedicated to farm-raised catfish and the industry that produces it. It recognises catfish as a uniquely American delicacy and a smart, affordable seafood choice. The day is popular with home cooks, restaurants, and the catfish farming community, particularly across the Southern states where catfish farming and catfish cuisine are deeply rooted. It is as much a celebration of the food as it is of the growers and processors who supply it.
When is National Catfish Day?
National Catfish Day takes place on 25 June every year. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday. The date is fixed, so it lands on 25 June regardless of the day of the week, the same date set out in the original 1987 proclamation.
The History of National Catfish Day
Catfish has been eaten in North America for centuries, but the modern catfish industry took shape in the second half of the twentieth century. As demand grew, farm-raised catfish became a major agricultural product, especially in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where warm-water ponds suited the fish well. By the 1980s, farm-raised catfish had become one of the most consumed finned fish in the United States.
National Catfish Day was formally established in 1987. The US Congress expressed its support through House Joint Resolution 178, and President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5672, designating 25 June 1987 as National Catfish Day. The proclamation praised the rapid growth of the catfish industry and its value to American agriculture and consumers, noting that catfish had become a popular and economical source of protein.
Since then, the day has been marked each year by restaurants, seafood producers, and home cooks. It also sits alongside National Catfish Month in August, which extends the celebration of US farm-raised catfish across a longer stretch of the summer.
Fun Facts About National Catfish Day
- The day was created by Presidential Proclamation 5672, signed by Ronald Reagan in 1987.
- In 1986, catfish made up the third highest volume of finned fish consumed in the United States.
- Around 99 percent of the catfish eaten in the US at that time was farm-raised rather than wild-caught.
- Between 1975 and 1985, production of farm-raised catfish increased by roughly 1,200 percent.
- Farm-raised catfish are fed grain-based floating feed, which gives them a milder flavour than wild bottom-feeding fish.
- Catfish is high in protein, low in mercury, and a leaner option than many other fried foods.
Why National Catfish Day Matters
Beyond the food, National Catfish Day shines a light on a farming industry that supports thousands of jobs across the American South and provides an affordable, nutritious protein. Choosing US farm-raised catfish backs domestic growers and a well-regulated food source. For many families, the day is also a chance to keep regional cooking traditions alive and to enjoy a meal that brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Catfish Day?
National Catfish Day is an annual US food observance celebrating farm-raised catfish and the people who produce it. It encourages cooking, eating, and learning about catfish as an affordable, protein-rich fish.
When is National Catfish Day in 2026?
National Catfish Day is on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It is observed on 25 June every year.
How did National Catfish Day start?
It was established in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5672, following House Joint Resolution 178, to recognise the growing US catfish farming industry and its value to consumers.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best fried catfish photos on social media with #NationalCatfishDay and #NationalCatfishDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to cook up a fillet of their own. If you enjoy food days that champion sustainable eating, you might also like Sustainable Gastronomy Day.
Related Awareness Days
- National Catfish Month – Held every August, this month-long celebration of US farm-raised catfish extends the festivities well beyond a single day.
- National Ceviche Day – Marked on 28 June, this day celebrates another popular way of preparing fresh fish and seafood.
- National Fried Clam Day – A fellow fried-seafood favourite, perfect for anyone who loves a crispy, golden coating.
Links
- Read more about National Catfish Day at National Day Calendar
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
