{"id":1020,"date":"2026-06-11T14:24:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T18:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/?p=1020"},"modified":"2026-06-11T14:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T18:24:54","slug":"the-catalpa-tree-the-souths-famous-fish-bait-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/2026\/06\/the-catalpa-tree-the-souths-famous-fish-bait-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"The Catalpa Tree: The South’s Famous Fish Bait Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Catalpa Worm on a Catalpa Tree Leaf (photo credit: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many Southerners can identify a catalpa tree from a distance. Its large heart-shaped leaves, showy white flowers, and long bean-like seed pods make it one of the most recognizable trees growing around old homesites, fence rows, and rural roadsides. However, the catalpa tree may be best known not for its appearance, but for the caterpillar that calls it home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides<\/em>), often referred to as the “fish bait tree,” is native to portions of the southeastern United States, including parts of Georgia. Over the past three centuries, it has been widely planted throughout the country and can now be found far beyond its original native range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catalpa trees typically grow 40 to 50 feet tall and develop a broad, spreading crown that provides excellent shade. During late spring, the trees produce clusters of large white flowers accented with yellow and purple markings. By summer and fall, long slender seed pods begin to form, often hanging from the tree well into winter. These pods have earned the tree common names such as “cigar tree” and “Indian bean tree.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the tree itself is attractive, many outdoor enthusiasts are more interested in the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar, commonly known as the catalpa worm. This caterpillar feeds exclusively on catalpa trees and can completely strip the leaves from a tree during heavy infestations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult catalpa sphinx moths emerge in spring and lay large masses of eggs on the undersides of catalpa leaves. After hatching, young caterpillars feed together before spreading out across the tree. Mature caterpillars can reach nearly three inches in length and are often black, yellow, and white in color with a distinctive horn near the rear of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many anglers, these caterpillars are considered some of the finest natural fish bait available. Catfish, bream, and other species readily take catalpa worms, which are valued for their tough skin and the scent they release in the water. In many parts of the South, families have intentionally planted catalpa trees specifically to maintain a supply of fishing bait. Fortunately, catalpa trees are resilient. Although repeated defoliation can stress a tree, healthy catalpas often produce a new flush of leaves after caterpillar feeding. Some trees may experience heavy infestations every year, while others nearby receive little or no damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting and Preserving Catalpa Worms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the advantages of catalpa worms as fishing bait is that they can be preserved and stored for months after they are harvested. This allows anglers to collect worms during peak infestations and use them long after the caterpillars have disappeared from the trees. Catalpa worms are usually harvested by hand directly from the leaves. Some anglers spread a tarp beneath the tree and shake branches with a long pole to dislodge the worms. Gloves are recommended because the caterpillars release a yellow-green fluid when handled. Fresh worms can be stored for several days in a container with fresh catalpa leaves and kept in a cool location. However, for long-term storage, many fishermen prefer to freeze them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Preserve Catalpa Worms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to recommendations from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, catalpa worms can be preserved using the following method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Harvest fresh catalpa worms from the tree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Place the worms in lightly boiling water to blanch for approximately one minute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Remove the worms and spread them on paper towels to cool and dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Place the worms in a one-quart freezer bag or similar airtight container.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Add approximately one cup of cornmeal, or enough cornmeal to completely cover the caterpillars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Gently shake the bag to coat the worms and distribute the cornmeal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Label the bag with the date and place it in the freezer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Blanching helps preserve the worms by firming their bodies, reducing moisture, and helping them maintain their shape during freezing. The cornmeal absorbs excess moisture and prevents the worms from freezing together in a solid mass. When it is time to go fishing, simply remove the desired number of worms and allow them to thaw. Many anglers report that preserved catalpa worms remain effective for months and continue to attract catfish, bream, and other game fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For those fortunate enough to have a productive catalpa tree, preserving worms in this manner can provide a year-round supply of one of the South’s most popular natural fishing baits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More Than Just a Bait Tree<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to supporting catalpa worms, the tree provides shade, attractive spring flowers, and a unique piece of Southern heritage. Its durable wood was once commonly used for fence posts and other outdoor applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you know it as a catalpa tree, fish bait tree, cigar tree, or worm tree, this distinctive species remains one of the most recognizable trees across the rural South. For many anglers, it is more than just a shade tree; it’s a dependable source of fishing bait and a connection to generations of outdoor tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Extension Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Source Materials <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Coder, K.D. 2024. Southern Catalpa \u2013 The Fish Bait Tree.<\/em> Publication WSFNR-24-4C. University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources<\/a>. Available PDF for print below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Long, C. 2020. Catalpa Worms Make Excellent Natural Bait for Summer Fishing.<\/em> Arkansas Game and Fish Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Long, C. Catching and Preserving Catalpa Worms.<\/em> Video presentation. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission \/ Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center<\/a>. https:\/\/www.agfc.com\/news\/catalpa-worms-make-excellent-natural-bait-for-summer-fishing\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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