Spawning start time depends on the geographic location but generally begins in late March - late May. It usually starts when the water temperatures reach around 70 degrees. Catfish head to the tributary streams and creeks (where the body of water begins). Males and females increase their food intake. Males find pre-made holes formed in the clay banks, under rocks, and under sunken trees and use their bodies to carve them out to their own preference. The male begins guarding the hole.
Females start to get plump due to all the eggs they are carrying. They lay about 1000 eggs per pound they weigh and the largest clutches (groups of eggs) reach 100,000. The male eventually lets the female into the hole to lay the eggs. The female leaves after depositing the eggs and the male promptly fertilizes them. He will then guard them until they hatch.
Hatching occurs in a little under a week. It can happen in 3-4 days if the water is warm but if it is cooler it can take 5-7 days. After hatching the baby catfish remain in the hole for a few days while they use up their egg sacks. The fish will leave the nest (hole) in a few days and will be on their own. Mortality rates are high due mostly to predators.
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