Wells Catfish were introduced to Home Farm fisheries in the spring of 2004. 28 fish of varying weights from 6lb up to 25lb were stocked and since then they have grown steadily in size. In August 2007 a specimen weighing 37lb 8oz was caught by a local angler. Until recently this fish was assumed to be the largest in the lake.

Since their introduction they have provided excellent sport for the anglers at Home Farm Fishery and for many of the anglers, who normally fish for carp, it was their first experience of hooking a catfish. Pictured is Kevin Gibson of Macclesfield, a regular at Home Farm with his first catfish which weighed in at 24lb in July  2007.

Early in 2008 it was decided to increase the stock of Catfish in view of their increasing popularity with the anglers. We had heard that a famous catfish venue, Burton Mere Fisheries on the Wirral, was closing having been sold to the RSPB.  We agreed to purchase all the catfish stock from the owner Mr. Terry Knight. Many of the fish were between 20 and 50lb with some reaching the 60lb mark.

Testimonial from Henry Gratton

On a Friday in the second week of January 2009 I arrived at Home Farm ready for a full weekend fishing. At 5.30 Saturday morning my alarm sounded and I hit into a lump, after a 15-20 minute fight I got the fish on the bank to find it was a  16lb catfish then at 10.30 I landed another catfish at 23lb 6oz,

 Barry the Fishery Manager, came down and took a photo for me. After 20 minutes of putting the catfish back and chatting to Barry on the bank, I hadn't even got round to throwing my rod back out, when my other rod sounded. with Barry still with me he helped me land another catfish at 23lb 2oz.

I was glad Barry was there because no one would have believed it otherwise. Around 6pm my rod went again and I was into another catfish around 20lb which unfortunately I lost at the net. Then an hour later I had yet another catfish at 7lb 6oz, Making it 5 cats caught and 4 landed in one day. What a session!!!!