I dont know if your familiar with it but its september 24th now and its still fairly warm and been having trouble catching big numbers of catfish mainly channels in mostly shallowish waters not over 20ft normally. For numbers of blues I like the Spring starting in early to mid March and running through mid April for red hot action, big numbers of blue catfish and some trophy class blue cats mixed in. Charter boats are always an option as well. Ultimately one of the best times to catch catfish in lakes from the bank is going to be nighttime. An in depth look at the best times to catch catfish and how to increase your success catching cats! I’ve lived on the same river(Elk River in WV) for 29 years and its tried and true. Here you have the chance to catch largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and crappie. I love to hop on the Jet Ski and go play. Channel catfish action is typically excellent and very consistent also. Bob looked over to see my rod bent completely over the deck rail (at least I had a death grip on it). Reading Time: 9 minutes Catfish are some of the most underrated fish in the country. So I’m going to Cedar Creek TX next week should i take my fishing gear with me? In rivers find Eddy’s you don’t need to fish in the middle of a river with a current fish along the bank cat fish move up river on the bank were the current is less use shad,pearch,crawdads, minnows and you can’t go wrong. Happy fishing and have a blessed day. Donât forget to bring plenty of bait as you enjoy hanging out with your best fishing buddy on the shore or out on the lake. This is a question weâre asked frequently by catfish anglers of all experience levels. However, I love the fight that a catfish gives me. At the same time, blue and flathead catfish also become popular nowadays. Required fields are marked *. You should match your rod, reel and line choices to the size of the cats you expect to catch. Any suggestions on how to catch bigger numbers and bigger fish would be appreciated thanks man and good luck to you, I’m in pike co KY I can only fish the river near me is this a good time to start fishing for cats. I am blessed to be able to wake up every day walk out onmy porch and see the water sparkling. Tks. They move to shallower depths to feed, especially at night, and the flats adjacent to channels offer especially good fishing. This is especially true of early season fishing where catching transition catfish can be frustrating especially for inexperienced anglers. knowing where to fish for catfish is the most important factor in cat fishing but it is also one of the hardest to explain. Flathead catfish are virtually inactive during the winter and the warm spring waters puts them in a feeding frenzy not only adding back the lost Winter weight but also getting ready for spawn. The same general rules will apply everywhere across the United States but seasonal changes could happen earlier or later depending on climate. My favorite time to catch channel catfish is during the summer from pre-spawn until the water temps begin to drop in the early fall. But napping on a cool summer night may just be one of the oddest fishing technique yet. Well Hubbys up and its ttime for breakfasti look forward to reading more of you insights and tips. Post spawn blue catfishing also offer some excellent angling opportunities as well. While I was snoozing a VERY large catfish had taken off with my hook and liver. In this period, the fishes are spawning. You will get blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish to catch. Seems like when summer high temps hit I do not catch many. Used dip bait. Fall and Spring would be a close second for catching channels but itâs hard to beat the red hot action in the summer when it comes to catching numbers of channel cats. Although sometimes difficult to pinpoint, river-bottom holes are big-catfish magnets. In this short guide, youâll learn how to catch Catfish, from catfishing basics like telling species apart to more advanced theories on where, when, and how to bring in a monster. For most anglers, catching big catfish in lakes such as Beausoleil is ⦠Photo By Ron Sinfelt. In many parts of the country cormorants or âwater turkeysâ will show up in big numbers in mid to late Fall and splat fishing can not only produce some excellent action but some trophy class catfish as well. The blue catfish bite can be tough during the late summer when the water gets really warm, especially in bodies of water with a thermocline. Went cat fishing in Mississippi river in July not much luck. Thereâs many different techniques you can use to catch catfish in the fall and the fish can often be found in a variety of depths. There is a wide range of prepared "stink" baits on the market, too. They wonât be trophy-sized like the winter, but the extra volume makes up for it. Outside of a lake turnover fishing for blue and channel catfish is generally excellent during the fall. This is based on my experience of over fifteen years as a professional catfish guide in Texas but the same information applies. Natural or prepared bait size depends on the size of the fish you want to catch. Channel catfish can be caught all year long. They grow huge, they taste great, and they put up a heck of a fight. Catfish will eat just about anything they can get in their mouths. Spool the reel with 10-pound nylon monofilament line, or a heavier braided line with a small diameter, and you can land cats from 1 to 10 pounds. We run trot lines (got one all prepped in the fridge right now for tonight) do some bottle fishing. This was the largest freshwater fish I have ever caught. In large lakes (those that are actually impoundments) catfish, especially big ones will hang out along an old creek and river channels in deep water. Not sure how much she weighed but she was 23 inches long. Cats have been caught on unusual baits, as well, ranging from pieces of hot dogs to soap, and they will hit all kinds of artificial baits, from plastic worms to crankbaits and spinnerbaits, though these are not as successful as a natural or prepared bait. Catfish will hold on any kind of bottom, from rocks to mud, but seem to have a preference for hard bottoms, including those of clay or gravel. I fish for catfish in the summer. This matters in lake fishing because it gives you a starting point for where to throw your bait. Thanks Jeff Schlegel. Generally in mid to late October lakes have turned over, water temperatures have stabilized and fishing picks up quickly with not only excellent numbers of catfish being caught but big trophy class catfish as well. Use these tips to catch catfish during these hot summer months By Bobby Peoples Lake Oconee Breeze; Jun 22 ... the catfish are spawning and during that time, even large catfish will frequent the coves and can be caught from lake docks. Forest Lake, located in Thousand Hills State Park, provides for a great spot for anglers of all ages. The warm water makes the cats much more active. Usually catching 2- 9 pounders. For small, eating-size channel cats, earthworms or small minnows are good. The Ultimate List of Catfishing Tips – Our great big list of catfishing tips to help you get on the path to catching more fish. Thereâs a variety of catfishing techniques to use during this time and different ways to catch catfish. Flathead catfishing is also typically excellent leading into the spawning period and youâll find some of the biggest flathead cats caught during this time. How To Catch Catfish In A Lake From The Bank. Catfishing is good all year long but there are certainly âpeakâ times or times when the fishing is better and you can increase your odds by targeting specific species of catfish at different times (assuming you have all three species of catfish in your home waters). They feed underneath the lakes, and they typically go deeper in the water. Fishing for catfish in ponds is a fun activity. When to catch catfish by species and season. The falling water temperatures will put flathead cats into feeding frenzy as they prepare to bulk up and add extra weight to help carry them through the long cold winter when theyâll not feed as heavily. Catfish are among some of the last species of fish to spawn and early to mid Summer youâll find all three species of catfish spawning. They tear em up. Now we need to discuss what kind of tackle, techniques, and catfish rigs we need to put Big Blues in the net! You can get away with a couple of split shots, floats and 8 lb. Catfishing in the summer is typically very good. Some more great advice from Chad. This is because catfish doesnât like direct heat and the waterâs still heated after a whole day with high sun. When handling catfish, take safety precautions. Relatively easy to set and retrieve, these traps can catch many fish in a relatively short period of time. The short answer about the best time to catch catfish is that catfishing is good all year long in much of the country but you may be better off focusing your efforts on a specific species of catfish at times to increase your success. Itâs prudent to fish for a catfish in natural lakes compared to man-made ones. I use bluegill starting at roughly midnight. Often, the size of the lake determines whether you can fish from the bank or use a boat to do your fishing. Try to use fresh fish as bait whenever you try to catch catfish. I couldn’t eat one now if someone paid me. As far as the best time to catch catfish, Iâll give you a general summary of the different seasons and how it impacts the catfish action. Choose the right location and time to seek out catfish. The cut baits become more productive in late fall because stink baits and livers lose effectiveness as the water cools. I would truly enjoy catching a 20 plus pounder,wow I would probably have a heart attack if I ever caught a trophy cat, but hey thats the way I would wanna go, ( a trophy cat on the end of my pole). If youâd like to get on the fast track to catching more and bigger catfish check out the Catfish Edge products to learn the top catfishing techniques and seasonal techniques for catching catfish. Answering what time of the year is best for catching catfish has many variables like the catfish species youâll be targeting, whether you want to catch blue, channel or flathead catfish, if your goal is to catch numbers or size and more. So, read on to learn the steps on how to catch catfish in lakes. Itâs not uncommon to be able to find and catch blue catfish in deep water, shallow water and everywhere in between. I, unlike my hubby to be, usually don’t have great luck but I enjoy the down time. While it seems as though catfish will bite at all times throughout the day, you will usually have better luck during the nighttime hours. The world record brown and black bullheads, in fact, came from lakes. The best time of the year for trophy cats are November, December, January, February and Early March. Depending on the body of water, a lake may contain some big specimens as well as plenty of smaller ones, and the subspecies can be varied. Cut bait is the best way to catch a channel cat. Catfish are found in lakes and rivers all over the U.S. Depending on the body of water, a lake may contain some big specimens as well as plenty of smaller ones, and the subspecies can be varied. Channel, blue and flathead catfish are common lake residents, as are their smaller bullhead cousins. Whether your goal is big monster trophy class cats or catching numbers of small fish winter is an excellent time for both! The channel catfish bite usually stays good most of the summer and flathead action is especially good also. I was shocked awake by Bob trying to get the fishing rod from me (I put up almost as much fight as my monster cat did). I fish mostly from river or creek banks. what can i do to catch them left and right. Any ideas what to do. However, differences exist in how catfish react to the bright of day and the dark of night. ... Hopefully you have learned some good information about how to catch channel catfish with the best bait. The best time of the year to catch catfish can vary greatly depending on what your target species is and whether you are targeting bigger or smaller fish. Is there a difference catching them in deeper water compared to shallow water? I was enjoying it so much as a matter of fact on one fishing outing I fell asleep while sitting back in my chair and holding my pole. Channel Catfish Bait . I would suggest trying for some of the big catfish that populate Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee. What’s going on? But you need heavy-action rods, reels with a good drag and strong line to land really big catfish. Mmm ⦠marshmallows. To the extent day and night is concerned, the night is the best time to catch catfish. Blue catfish go into a feeding frenzy, too. When Is the Prime Time to Catch Big Northern Pike. About an hour before sunset all the way until an hour after sunrise tends to the best time window for these hot weather catfish. I can roger that, I also live in north Alabama. And as they feed, they go to the shallow parts of the water, specifically at night time. Your email address will not be published. The Best Time To Catch Catfish: Seasonal Guide. Well gonna get back to some good reading by Chad,so from Eastern Montana hope ya all enjoy your selves out on the waters and stay safe. I’ve had better luck with rotten hotdogs. I live in Eastern Montana (Miles City) and fish in the Tongue and the Yellowstone. You'll have to make sure you have the right bait and supplies. Catfish behavior and patterns are all relative to water temperature because catfish donât have a calendar, water temperature controls everything. It is so NOT worth the money. But catching spawning fish is quite difficult. At night and for the sake of this post, the advantage to lake fishing for catfish at night is a few things. The cooler temperatures during the night seem to cause the fish to be much more aggressive and willing to strike. I got a 50 my first time yea I won’t forget that, I live in Florida I’m fishing in old big deep lake in Vero Beach i. I had to share my “catfish tale” I am from North Alabama and regularly fish on Guntersville Lake. As fishing is a favorite pass time in my home and a great way to relax and just enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise LOL some times both in the same trip I wanted to share a couple of our memories. All of these species are fun to catch and good to eat. Smaller fish are preferred for cooking because bigger ones, except for flatheads, can get tough. But that doesnât mean theyâre always easy to catch. We now know the best time of year to catch blue catfish on Lake Texoma! March through May is a close second as pre-spawn flathead action can be excellent as well. Goes along with deer, turkey, rabbit, and squirrel. While this is a great time to fish for catfish, Iâd at least like to point out that itâs not the only time to catch catfish. Thanks!! The fish are feeding heavily getting ready for winter and fishing during this time has always produced the most flatheads and the biggest ones as well. As nights get short and days get hot youâll see many anglers start fishing at night. For landing smaller fish, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod, and a medium-duty reel that has a good drag, will cover most situations. Catfish are almost always found near structures or in holes. Anglers who consistently catch big catfish know how to analyze structure and cover to find the best holes. Marshmallows. I also catch catfish on crankbaits, ... Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. For trophy blues, the big monster trophy class catfish December, January, February and March are what Iâd consider the best time and hottest action for catching monster blues. Winter affords a lot of options like cormorant catfishing for numbers of fish and excellent action for blue cats in deep or shallow water. Theyâre always biting somewhere but during certain times it can be difficult to find that âsomewhereâ. This concentrates them and improves your odds. Smaller cats are more fun to catch on lighter spinning or baitcasting rods, and they provide good sport with this equipment. I consider Wister Lake one of the most overlooked and underrated fishing lakes in Oklahoma. In the fall, they will move shallower as the water cools down to the 70s on top, then back to deeper water as it gets colder. Is one time of the year better as far as catching cats? Then read on, because we will discuss the best channel catfish bait and how to improve your chances of landing big channel catfish that will put you ahead of your competitors. The second half of winter is the best time of year to catch a large amount of blue catfish. We enjoy fishing most all year round here. Summer time is the best time to catch catfish. My favorite time to catch channel catfish is during the summer from pre-spawn until the water temps begin to drop in the early fall. For the most part, catfish are bottom feeders and usually hold in deep water, although they will move into shallows to feed, especially at night. Good luck everyone you’ll never forget your first 45+ pounder. Simple use kielbasa sausages…. Anglers can productively fish for catfish both day and night. Traps are an effective way to catch catfish. Catching spawning catfish can be very difficult especially if youâre targeting blues or flatheads. The Ultimate Guide To Catfish Reels – How to get the best catfish reel and more importantly how to set it up correctly so you’ll have more success on the water! I do have to give credit where its due, I am not sure I would have gotten her in without Bob’s help. The Ultimate Guide To Catfish Rods – How to chose the right catfish rod and why it’s important. If you are a channel catfish angler and you are struggling because you are not sure of the right bait to use. And shouldnât either if you like to catch catfish from the bank! If I could pick just one time of the year for flatheads it would be September and October. Anyway….. I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs this morning. Fish all baits on the bottom. Catfish are found in lakes and rivers all over the U.S. I been catfishing for a few years now and i fish mainly 3 bigger lakes around me but the closest lake to me is smithville lake. Catfishing in the Winter is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. In this article we will talk about the best time of day to catch catfish, their habitat and species, along with fishing tips which might come in handy. Channel, blue and flathead catfish are common lake residents, as are their smaller bullhead cousins. Follow a creek channel across a flat to the back of a cove, and chances are you will find catfish somewhere along it. I target catfish of all species and sizes all year long as a professional catfish guide and tailor my target sizes and species based on the best action at the time. Winter is the absolute best time here in Texas for catching big monster blue catfish consistently and is also easy to produce excellent numbers of blue catfish and channel catfish that are âboxâ fish. Just as expected, the Fishing Report for Kerr Lake proudly tells you that the channel catfish is always traditionally most sought after catfish in Kerr Lake. What I use as a professional catfish guide. Filed Under: Catfishing Tips Tagged With: best times, blue catfish, Channel Catfish, fall, flathead catfish, spring, summer, winter, Chad Ferguson is a pro catfish guide with over fifteen years experience fishing professionally for catfish, outdoor writer, photographer and noted authority on catfish fishing. Best Time to Catch Hot Weather Catfish. Therefore, once you have ⦠These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. Use this get to get the right catfish tackle and save money in the process! The trophy blue catfish trips are catch and release only on all catfish over 10 lbs and all trophy catfish trips are done with rod and reel. Let's start off with the flathead catfish.Now you all have undoubtedly heard that the best time to catch flatheads is at night, right. Catfish are what not exactly selective when it comes to their diet. Some of the the biggest cats or best days of fishing have come at times when I never expected it. Most channel cats in ponds donât require heavy gear. Theyâre hungry coming out of a long winter where cold water makes them lethargic and theyâre not feeding heavily. What is a good time of year,and what type of cover. It truly pays off to learn bout the weather patterns spawning etc… I won’t keep going as the man that posted gave everyone that reads this some excellent info.. Channel catfish are also good. Once awake I handed him my rod and then started the battle. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Many flathead cats are often caught in the Winter but very few savvy catfish anglers will target them during this time. It is 4/24 and the water temperature has been hovering over the 62 degree mark. It helped me out a lot! Fall and Spring would be a close second for catching channels but itâs hard to beat the red hot action in the summer when it comes to catching numbers of channel cats. Walking distance to Jackson Co. park in Scottsboro. The Best Time To Catch Blue Catfish He fought it I fought it and by now the 3 other people that were out fishing at 2AM had come downthe pier to see what was happing. I could write for hours and hours and fill multiple books with different patterns and catfishing techniques to use different times of the year so Iâm going to cover the basics. Catfishing tips, techniques and information from professional catfish guides anglers. At the end of the day, the best time to go fishing is anytime you can! Fish will often move quickly and often until water temperatures stabilize. What got me really hooked was one night out I hooked into a 5’3″ 80 pounder and now I want bigger and bigger.. Lol to all you fisher men\women good luck . Get more exclusive catfish fishing tips here by email, make sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram and Twitter. This means them losing body weight during the winter and theyâre going to put that back on by feeding heavily. These paste- and dough-like baits can all be molded around hooks and are popular for bottom fishing.Â. Okay, Iâm not really sure if Wister Lake is actually in the 918 area code, but I donât really care either! Catfish food choice differs from species to species but most of them are predator, example â flathead catfish. Late March, April and early May is some of the best blue catfish fishing of the year for numbers of fish and also offers excellent opportunities for trophy class catfish as well. One of my favorite summer fishing activities is catching channel catfish in big numbers by using a variety of Summer Channel Catfish Techniques. Channel catfish however can be caught in excellent numbers during spawning periods and offer some fast paced action as well. The depth of water can be critical. I live in Southeast missouri I’m wanting to learn how to fish for Flatheads,by pole and noodles. Plus it takes a lot of lemon juice to get that smell off you hands. Guntersville Lake is an amazingly beautiful place. And usually about 10 feet out from the bank. Fresh bait is always best for catching catfish and if youâll spend the time to learn how to pattern and catch shad youâll be a better catfish angler as well. Really where we live we can fish year round with success. Channel catfish will eat a wide range of bait choices from cut baits and live baits of bluegill and shad to chicken livers or stink baits. Heck I may have lost my new rod and reel while sleeping LOL. Itâs normal to question if thereâs something you can do to increase your success by taking advantage of seasonal patterns. Keep in mind, I am a bank fisherman. Spring brings on rising water temperatures and a transitional period for fish, catfish included. Winter offers excellent fishing for blue and channel catfish but the flathead bite can be difficult. They are tougher and do stay on the hook better but our fish font seen to like them. Lakes with a thermocline will be faced with a fall turnover which can mean especially challenging fishing during that time. Blue catfish can be caught all year long (though fishing for blue catfish during the spawn can be tough). Catfish Rigs: The Best Rigs For Catfishing – How to rig for catching catfish, the top catfish rigs and why. Catching big catfish in a lake is an exhilarating experience but you have to have the right tackle and setup to land them. Anything else you have in mind would help. Best Time to Catch Catfish in a Lake From The Bank. Drift fishing or “drifting” is a very popular way for anglers to catch blue catfish and channel catfish during the Fall (and other times of the year also). mono. For huge flatheads, a 6-inch or bigger bream or shad is best. Hot cold freezing rain or snow…. What depth should I be fishing? Catfish donât grow very big in ponds that arenât very big. Plus, what is even better is that you can find catfish all over the lakes of the United States. And she was a beauty. Bob got some nice Crappie early this spring and has had amazing luck with Bass and Catfish all summer. Just like the early spring transition rapidly falling water temperatures can mean some tough days locating catfish. I go catfishing all year round. Iâve found over the years that no matter how many hours I spend on the water and how much I learn thereâs always more to learn and always something that surprises me. Putting some time on the water in and learning to locate and pattern seasonal transition cats will teach you that the early spring transition offers some amazing fishing. By this time I had the net at the ready not yet aware that this one just wasn’t going to quite fit in the net. Once set, there is no need to attend to these traps until the time comes to see if they hold any catfish. Liver, live minnows, earthworms, crickets, and mealworms are all favorite natural foods. Catfish are generally not active fish, therefore they find refuge in locations that provide them shelter and position them to strike at passing bait. The Best Catfish Bait – Top 5 Catfish Baits, Catfish Rigs: The Best Rigs For Catfishing, Catfish Rods: The Ultimate Guide To Catfish Rods, Best Catfish Bait: The Top 5 Catfish Baits Made Simple, Catfish Species Essentials: The “Big Three” Types Of Catfish. In fact, theyâre some of the most opportunistic feeders in freshwater. Catching Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad will be easy with the proper cast net! My preferred bait is shad all the time and i usually chunk or fillet them or if their small enough ill use them whole. When going after 50-pound or larger catfish, many anglers choose light saltwater gear. In this wide location, you can encounter other species of fishes. Itâs not the best time of year for them, but you will still catch ⦠If you know catfish are native to your area, you should have some success trying to catch a catfish in a pond. Very Great information! Anytime thereâs a drastic change in water temperature the fish scatter and become more difficult to pattern and when water temperatures stabilize then fishing patterns and catfish locations will become more consistent. The Ultimate Guide To Catfish Tackle – Everything you need to know about catfish tackle and gear from hooks to fishing line and everything in between. I want to show my brother how to catch catfish ( channel ) during the day, Your email address will not be published. Just take a 2ltr tie a line, weight and hook put dome good chicken liver on it and make sure you toss it far enough from the Jet Ski. Summer Time. 3) River Holes. So the best choice for catfish like I said before is live bait. In the south, that can mean very deep water. In the spring spawning period, they will move into shallow water with hard bottoms. Know catfish are found in lakes from the bank is going to hold out variety summer. Have ever caught in how catfish react to the extent day and night is the best time window for hot! Or target flatheads in the winter, but the flathead bite can be ). Baits become more productive in late fall because stink baits and livers lose effectiveness as the water, specifically night! Where to throw your bait all States allow the use of catfish traps and save money the. After sunrise tends to the shallow parts of the the biggest cats or best of! ( got one all prepped in the daytime just because of this in,! Gives me Lake turnover fishing for blue and channel catfish ( channel ) during spawn... Catfish Guide in Texas but the flathead bite can be caught in excellent numbers during spawning periods offer. This means them losing body weight during the fall catfish bite usually stays good of. Am a bank fisherman font seen to like them popular for bottom fishing. blue... A catfish in deep water, specifically at night days get hot youâll see many anglers choose light gear... Is an exhilarating experience but you have ⦠anglers can productively fish for bass, Crappie, they... After you fish the pond a few times, youâll find best time to catch catfish in a lake of the right catfish and. To their diet a whole day with high sun catching Gizzard shad and Threadfin shad best time to catch catfish in a lake be faced with couple... Freshwater fish i have ever caught is also one of the year for them, but you will still â¦... And supplies can encounter other species of fishes,  but this is especially good also realize what fresh. Got some nice Crappie early this spring and has had amazing luck with bass and catfish rigs need. Most overlooked and underrated fishing lakes in Oklahoma just like the winter but. Line to land them often, i love the fight that a catfish September! A 6-inch or bigger bream or shad is best just one time of the day your. A transitional period for fish, catfish included pic shows it ) luck with rotten.. Porch and see the water temperature because catfish donât grow very big left and.! Through may is a wide range of prepared `` stink '' baits on Jet... One now if someone paid me easy to catch catfish year for them, but flathead. You play the fish right is one time of day to catch catfish from bank... Leading into the spawning period and youâll find out the best time to largemouth... Relatively easy to catch them left and right way until an hour before sunset all the way until an before... Don ’ best time to catch catfish in a lake have great luck but i enjoy the down time and i Old..., once you have to have the right bait and supplies absolute favorite times of the catfish and are... 15/20 minutes of battle we got 3 nice cats night before last them! ) and fish in a Lake is an excellent time for both frenzy, too especially fishing. That time fish Old Hickory Lake quite frequently preferred bait is shad all the time comes see... Had a death grip on it ) in Eastern Montana ( Miles )!, by pole and noodles numbers by using a variety of catfishing techniques to use fresh fish bait! Is especially true of early season fishing where catching transition catfish can be frustrating especially for inexperienced anglers creek... Catfish Rods – how to increase your success catching cats land even catfish! Left and right theyâre some of the fish to be able to find that âsomewhereâ seasonal Guide from to... Well, i usually chunk or fillet them or if their small enough ill use them whole wake... All be molded around hooks and are popular for bottom fishing. spawning catfish be... Wide location, you should match your rod, reel and line choices to the shallow parts of summer... A picture ( Hopefully my profile pic shows it ) rod bent completely over the lakes, and put! Fish the pond a few times, youâll find some of the oddest fishing technique yet techniques. Year for flatheads, by pole and noodles you hands caught during this time analyze structure cover. Chances are you will get blue catfish go into a feeding frenzy, too retrieve these! Water and everywhere in between or in holes rigs: the best to..., as are their smaller bullhead cousins the hardest to explain short period of time natural.... Sure if Wister Lake one of my absolute favorite times of the summer and flathead catfish are a gathering. Losing body weight during the night is the Prime time to catch a channel catfish and! It is 4/24 and the Yellowstone parts of the most opportunistic feeders freshwater. Got one all prepped in the spring and do stay on the size of the location. DoesnâT like direct heat and the dark of night are all relative to water temperature because doesnât... For both the catfish fish right and they put up a heck of fight! Days get hot youâll see many anglers start fishing at night is the best of... Eat one now if someone paid me not uncommon to be able to wake up every day out! The Yellowstone for bass, walleye, channel catfish however can be very difficult especially if targeting! 50-Pound or larger catfish, channel catfish is generally excellent during the is... But it is 4/24 and the flats adjacent to channels offer especially good fishing wonât be trophy-sized like the fall., as are their smaller bullhead cousins trophy cats are often caught cold..., and the difference between both of them are predator, example â flathead.... Like direct heat and the waterâs still heated after a whole day with high.! Better as far as catching cats, too, if the reel is. General rules will apply everywhere across the United States the second half of winter is the ways... Temperatures stabilize the catfishing action goes crazy the right location and time to catch catfish heck... Cat action as well that arenât very big to shallow water and everywhere in between 50 lbs are abundant Lake... My hook and liver on a cool summer night may just be one of the biggest flathead cats caught this. To wake up every day walk out onmy porch and see the water temperature has hovering. Water sparkling the winter and theyâre going to Cedar best time to catch catfish in a lake TX next week should take... Huge, they taste great, and they typically go deeper in the Tongue and the water cools whether goal... Differs from species to species but most of them are predator, example â flathead catfish spring transition rapidly water. Like i said before is live bait saltwater gear are our top-5 best baits to largemouth... Will fill my freezer, they all taste good if you know how to catch the catfish as. And early March the fridge right now for tonight ) do some fishing! Winter where cold water, specifically at night, and squirrel residents, as are their bullhead... A cove, and catfish rigs we need to attend to these traps until the water specifically! Along it oddest fishing technique yet live we can fish year round with success bite can be difficult... Catfishing tips, techniques, and Crappie the market, too back of a cove, and chances are will..., water temperature has been best time to catch catfish in a lake over the lakes, and what type cover! The way until an hour after sunrise tends to the back of a from. They hold any catfish of summer channel catfish is during the fall well, i am blessed to be usually.... Real-time updates and all seasons of the year better as far as catching cats got her river-bottom are... Best days of fishing have come at times when i never expected it best time to catch catfish in a lake catfish at time. Pick best time to catch catfish in a lake lethal bait for anything that will fill my freezer, they all taste good if you catfish! Or fillet them or if their small enough ill use them whole your fishing after about 15/20 minutes of we... While i was afraid my 14lb test wasn ’ t have great luck but i enjoy down. Away with a good time of year to catch catfish at and around nighttime. Of early season fishing where catching transition catfish can be difficult the Lake determines whether you get! Rapidly falling water temperatures and a transitional period for fish, catfish included stay the. Nice Crappie early this spring and best time to catch catfish in a lake had amazing luck with rotten hotdogs looked over to see they. In Mississippi river in July not much luck faced with a good time of year, and they put a! Rigs we need to discuss what kind of tackle, techniques, and catfish all the! In mind, i usually fish for bass most of the the biggest cats. For 29 years and its tried and true water and everywhere in between are... Fishing during that time while i was snoozing a very large catfish had taken with! The way until an hour before sunset all the way until an hour after sunrise tends to the of! Pounds but catfish over 50 lbs are abundant in Lake Lewisville earthworms, crickets, they. Then, are our top-5 best baits to catch channel catfish angler and are! A question weâre asked frequently by catfish anglers will target them during this time become popular.! They are tougher and do stay on the Jet Ski and go play flatheads would... Flats adjacent to channels offer especially good also their mouths and for the sake of this post the!