Catfishing guide · USA
Catfishing
Channel, blue and flathead catfish: when they bite, which baits work through the seasons, how to rig for the bottom and where catfish hold in rivers, lakes and ponds.
Catfish species in the USA
When catfish bite
- Warm months. Catfish feed most from late spring through fall, when the water is warm.
- Dusk and night. Catfish find food by smell and taste, so they bite well after dark and in muddy water. Blues and flatheads are most active at night.
- Winter. Flatheads hardly feed in fall and winter, blue catfish move downstream to warmer stretches. Fish slow and deep.
Best time by species
- Channel catfish: Late spring through fall; because it finds food by smell and taste, it bites well in muddy water and after dark (Wikipedia).
- Blue catfish: Most active at night between midnight and sunrise (German Wikipedia). In summer it moves upstream to cooler water, in winter downstream to warmer stretches (German Wikipedia); in reservoirs it feeds on injured fish below turbines and spillways (Wikipedia).
- Flathead catfish: In spring and summer most active from midnight to dawn, in fall and winter hardly at all (Wikipedia). Warm water above 19 °C (66 °F) brings the strongest appetite (Wikipedia).
- Black bullhead: Dusk and night, as it feeds mainly at night; often takes baits meant for other fish (Wikipedia).
From the species profiles, with sources there.
Methods and rigs
Bottom fishing with a sliding sinker rig is the standard: the fish takes the bait without feeling the weight. A slip bobber keeps the bait just off the bottom over snags. From a boat, anchor above holes or drift slowly with baits near the bottom.
Baits by season
- Spring
- Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths that warm up first.
- Summer
- At night: chicken liver, prepared stink baits and cut bait for channel cats, fresh cut bait for blues.
- Fall
- Catfish follow the baitfish: fresh cut bait in deeper holes and along channel edges.
- Winter
- Fresh cut bait, fished slowly and deep where the water stays warmer.
Where to fish
- Deep holes and outside bends
- In rivers catfish rest in deep water and move up to feed at night.
- Below dams and spillways
- Blue catfish feed on injured baitfish below turbines and spillways.
- Logjams and wood
- Flatheads lurk in woody cover in big rivers and eat almost only live prey.
- Ponds and small lakes
- Channel catfish and bullheads, easy to reach from the bank.
Each state sells its own fishing license, and daily limits and minimum sizes for catfish differ by state and water. Whether live baitfish are allowed also depends on the state. Fishing license by state
Quick answers
What is the best bait for catfish?
For channel catfish chicken liver, nightcrawlers, stink baits and cut bait; for blue catfish fresh cut bait from oily baitfish; for flatheads live baitfish where your state allows it.
When is the best time to catch catfish?
From late spring through fall, and above all at dusk and at night. In winter flatheads hardly feed, and blue catfish move to warmer stretches. The fishing forecast shows the best windows for your spot.
How do I catch catfish from the bank?
Cast a sliding sinker rig with bait to a deep hole, an outside bend or below a dam, set the rod in a holder and wait with a slightly loose line. When the line moves off steadily, reel down and set the hook.
Do I need a license for catfishing?
Usually yes: each state sells its own fishing license and sets daily limits and sizes for catfish. Check your state agency before you go.