This says it all:

Catfishes: The gill net catch rate for channel catfish was 3.8/nn, down from 10.0/nn and 14.8/nn in 2008 and 2004, respectively, (Figure 4). The decline was possibly due in part to predation of smaller individuals by largemouth bass. In 2004, channel catfish CPUE began decreasing from a historic high in 1999 (Appendix D). This coincided with an increase in largemouth bass stock CPUE in 2004 (Appendix E). This may also explain why (other than gear recruitment) there were low numbers of channel catfish sampled below 12-inches for the last 3 surveys (Figure 4). Another possibility for declining channel catfish CPUE was angler harvest. The 2005/2006 creel survey showed directed effort toward channel catfish was 4,480 hours, while total harvest was 6,378 fish (De Jesus and Magnelia 2008). With a release rate of 13 percent (De Jesus and Magnelia 2008), not many legal sized adults were returned to the lake. The 2012 catch rate for channel catfish did not appear to be abnormal compared to historic catch data (Appendix D). Channel catfish CPUE decreased to 0.6/nn in 1996 but rebounded to 17.2/nn in 1999. This suggested the potential for recovery was possible. Spawning habitat should still be plentiful, so poor recruitment is more likely an issue than poor reproduction. The average CPUE for channel catfish since 1993 has been 8.4/nn. Legal-size fish greater than 12 inches in length made up 100% of the 2012 gill net catch, and larger (≥20 inches) individuals were available to anglers. Channel catfish condition was excellent in 2012, as mean relative weight (Wr) values for all but one stock-size inch group exceeded 100 (range 90 ̶ 130). The gill net catch rate for flathead catfish was 0.4/nn in 2012. Flathead catfish have been historically present in low abundance. Blue catfish have not been sampled since 1990.

Great info there ChuChu, I apreciate it

So to normal people what does this mean???

You do ????

Could you or the TS please translate this? English would be nice but Spanish will also suffice.

Simply put...catfish in Fayette are not reproducing. The fish are growing larger, but no spawn is surviving. And the number of catfish is going down. The report states there is plenty of spawning habitat, and I have caught lots of fish loaded with eggs, but the fry are not surviving for some reason.

Over the last four years I and a well known guide have noticed the catfish caught are steadily growing larger each year and no small fish are being caught. I have fished all over Fayette and no matter where you go the fish caught this year are averaging 4 to 5 pounds. In the last three years I personally have caught about 600 catfish. Not a single one has been smaller than two pounds.
In a nut shell, the fish are not reproducing, and if they are the spawn is not surviving. At some point there will be no catfish or very few caught.
TP&W will not stock any catfish due to the size required for survival.

Thank you. Would that be a temperature issue? Low water, invasive species? Crappy news either way for sure. Please keep us updated.

I know what your talking about ChuChu, I have been fishing Fayette for about 8 yrs., and I have never caught a channel under 14 inches. My Stepdad and Uncles have been fishing it since the 80s and used to catch blues out of there many years ago.,but I think they have been non existant for a while now.

Very few blues, and no crappie.