Facts on Catfish Fishing

Catfish are found in virtually every stream and river of North America and in most lakes. There are many different species of catfish. The channel catfish is among the most prominent and is the official fish of several states, including Iowa and Nebraska. If you know when, where, and how to fish for them, catfish can also provide a tasty meal.

When to Fish

The best time to fish for catfish is in the early morning before the sun comes up, or in the early evening, right after sundown. Catfish like to eat when it is fairly dark and they will be more apt to bite on your hook during these times.

Where to Fish for Catfish

Catfish are freshwater fish, so you can catch them in rivers, lakes and streams. Fishing from banks can be more of a challenge than fishing from a boat. If you don't have a boat, however; there are some things you can do to make catching catfish from the bank more successful. In addition, out-of-the-way streams you find while hiking, or on vacation or just sightseeing, may be the perfect places to fish for catfish.

What to Use for Bait

Catfish like anything that is blood-oriented, such as worms or liver. They usually like minnows or mullet. They will also sometimes feed on dog food. Fisherman have even used miniature marshmallows in colder weather and have had success. If one kind of bait doesn't work on your rod or trotline, try another one.

How to Fish for Catfish

When fishing with a rod and reel from the bank of a lake, river or stream, find the widest spot so you have plenty of room to cast. If it is a small stream, you may have to just throw your line out, rather than cast. If you are fishing in a narrow stream, you can use a trotline, which is a line that has hooks attached to snoods (small pieces of line) that are attached to the main line at intervals. It also has weights on it. If there are trees close to the water, you can anchor the ends of the trotline to trees at opposite sides of the stream. Allow enough slack in the line so it goes deep enough in the water to catch fish. You may have to adjust the weights.

If you are fishing from a boat, you can also use a trotline by tying one end to a tree on the bank, and the other end to your boat, and then anchoring your boat. Without a trotline, however; you can have fun looking for catfish. They like places that have plenty of oxygenated air, such as the water that churns beneath a dam. They will also swim in areas in rivers and streams where the water breaks over rocks or where the current helps to form holes in the bottom -- catfish will find deeper holes in winter in order to survive colder water.

State Regulations

Each state has regulations for boating and fishing. Some states have a limit on the number of hooks to use on a trotline, for example. Most states require fishing licenses. Be sure you know what your state's regulations are.

References

• Tipmasters (n.d.)
• Porter, Jim (n.d.) Catfish baits don't have to stink
• Channel catfish (Sept. 7, 2009)

Resources

• How To Make a Trot Line (n.d.)