Attracting Catalpa (Catawba) Worms for Fishing Bait

Why Your Catalpa Tree Has No Worms—and How to Get Them

A large catalpa tree never has catalpa sphinx caterpillars ("catawba worms"), prized as catfish bait. Owner wants to establish a population.

Why They’re Absent

• Populations are highly cyclical and localized.
• Natural enemies (parasitic wasps) often suppress them.
• Some trees are genetically less attractive; others are "magnets."
• May be a "down" year in a multi-year cycle.

How to Introduce Them

1. In spring, when leaves are fully expanded, find a nearby catalpa with active caterpillars.
2. Collect 20–30 larvae (wear gloves—they’re harmless but messy).
3. Place them on your tree’s foliage.
4. Do not use insecticides on this tree ever.

What to Expect

• Caterpillars may defoliate the tree—catalpas quickly releaf.
• Multiple generations per year possible.
• Parasitized caterpillars (white cocoons on back) won’t reproduce.
• Population may establish or fade—it’s unpredictable.

Ecological Note

Catalpa sphinx is native. Its boom/bust cycles are natural. Enjoy the fishing bait when it appears!