Three activators, eight extenders, and three protective agents at two concentration levels each were used to determine the best combination that will maintain in storage the viability of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) sperm cells. There was a highly significant (P < 0.01) difference in motility score among activators. Saline (0.65%) gave the highest motility score. Extended sperm cells became motile when activated after 2 months of storage at 4 C. Extender I (Truscott and Idlers Hfx #1) with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2 hours equilibration produced the highest motility scores after freezing of 24 hours or 1 week. Freezing rate was controlled by placing vials of sperm in a double-layered, kapok-lined paper bag and freezing at the height of 127 mm above the liquid nitrogen level.