FYI - Response from PFBC
 
When we survey our lake populations, we see channel catfish like this.  We see one or two fish that look like this almost everywhere we catch large numbers of catfish, but we never see large numbers of catfish with this condition.  I’ve searched the fishery science literature and I can’t find any studies that explain this condition in channel catfish.  I don’t think this is the result of some type of pollutant because we only see one or two of these a year.  DEP regularly tests fish from Lake Arthur for contaminants and haven’t found any that would warrant a consumption advisory.  My best explanation is that just like any other animal (and people), some will get sick and die.  I suspect that the fish you caught, and the fish like it that we see in our nets, have contracted a disease and will likely soon die of natural causes.  Handling these fish does not pose a health risk to people; I’ve handled many of them personally.  Most people do as you did and throw them back.  As I said, I can’t find any scientific literature that has investigated this.  However, I’ve copied the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Fish Pathologist on this response and have included your original picture.  If he has more or better information, he will contact you.   Thanks for passing this on to us.  If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me directly. Sincerely, Timothy A. WilsonFisheries BiologistPennsylvania Fish and Boat CommissionFisheries Management Area 113240 Hartstown RoadLinesville, PA 16424
 
Follow up response -
 
From what I’ve heard so far, the investigation into the black spots on the smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna has not found a cause and so far has not determined that it is lethal to the bass.  From my observations of both conditions, I think the catfish blotches are different than the smallmouth blotches.  They have different textures and it appears to me that the catfish condition is progressive and will eventually kill the fish.  The smallmouth blotches seem to be less of a disease and just more of a pigmentation change.  I’ve seen this skin condition in channel catfish for as long as I can remember, I don’t think it’s new.  I would worry if all of sudden large numbers of catfish showed up with it, but so far it’s just one or two a year.  Just my personal observations.  Thanks.Tim Wilson
 

Thanks for the info, from his responses it seems there was no clear cut answer rather an educated guess on his part, it would be nice to see them keep a netted fish with those physical symptoms to test it and come up with a definitive answer of what the disease is.

 Figured your in-laws was a lava lamp carnival circus clown cat & the one I caught was a diamond back bass. Most likely from the stinkin' black septic suet muck bottom would be my guess.  
 
 Went down after dark for crappie, slowed down 'round 10'ish ----- picked back up 'bout 11:00 slowed down 11:45. Highlight ov night, 29" cat on crappie rig   Purdy sad grown men fish for pan fish 
 
crappy

^^^ probably right considering they're all over the lake, over populated in my opinion. Looking forward to your report though Zelie, good luck!

Fall perch run my butt.  Did I say that already?  The only perch we saw were the ones we took with us for catfish bait.  Honestly though, hard to blame the fish with that BS wind.  It was HOWLING across the lake in pretty much all directions.  We couldn't keep the pontoon in a spot.  
 
Didn't stay long, maybe four hours of fishing.  Tried 8-10 spots.  Three nice cats, two to my wife on a crappie rig w/fathead minnow, and one ate cut perch on the bottom.  14" wiper, couple small bass, couple bluegills.  Bleh.  If this is the best of fall fishing, it's time for me to put the toon away.
 
Might go tomorrow if the weather stops being such a****  

PUT YOUR BOAT AWAY??????

HEY Porktown!!!!!!!!!

That's the second thing we agree on!

It sucks to be you....(lol)

I have a 12'er for late & early seasons. With the fall perch, wading is probably just as good. Although, I do like my feet not being numb, with the cold water in November. Futsol on Friday nights starts in November and wading in ice water Saturday or Sunday is a recipe for me throwing out my back. I try to fish from ice off until ice on. Winter below I-80 is too unpredictable to invest the money and limited storage space for ice fishing gear for me. Cabin fever is too much for me for 3 moths, no way I'd extend that to 4-5 months not fishing, because my bigger boat is stored.

54* A.M 57* P.M  fish were extremely active, lots of gills, LM and crappie.