Catfish are one of the most popular groups of fish anglers toil days and nights to catch. After trout, panfish, and bass, catfish are undoubtedly the next fish that anglers want to catch. This is as a result of their sizes, nature, simplicity, ubiquity, and most especially their table-fare qualities. Today, there are over 7 million catfish anglers in the world. Catfish, however, have different species. The most popular species include the channel, blue and flathead catfish. Each of these species has special features that make them unique in their own ways. In addition, the amazing features of each of the species answer every “how”, “when” and “where” questions you might want to know about these monsters. Hotspots for catfish are enormous; from lakes to rivers to ponds. In fact, you may be so lucky to launch your bait in any river and start reeling in these babies. If you find yourself in unfamiliar waters and you want to reel these creatures in, in tens, you definitely need more information on where these cats habituate. Some places are way better than others, and the location does play an important role in determining how successful you will be in your catfish hunting. With this guideline, you’ll learn 9 PLACES TO CATCH CATFISH in large numbers.
9 PLACES TO CATCH CATFISH
Creek Mouths
For catfish that are still in their pre-spawn and post-spawn stages, creek or tributary mouth is usually their hiding place. If the creek mouth is very deep or another channel joins with it on the bottom, the chances are higher for you to find the whiskered creatures just right there. In spring and most especially during the cooler months of the year, you tend to find more catfish at creek/tributary mouths. If you observe that there is a warm in-flow of water at a creek, catfish may be hiding for your bait right there. When there are heavy rainfalls, forage washed from hilltops and farmland are deposited in water bodies. These forages tend to attract catfish to the mouths of creeks because they are usually migratory, especially when there’s a need for them to eat. Most times, catfish hide behind holes and humps at the confluence found between a river and tributary. All you need to do is to cast your rig upstream and make sure the rig passes every possible hole the treasures may be seeking refuge in.
Riprap
When a construction company is constructing a dam or bridge, you realize that they usually put some riprap at the sides and edges. The ripraps are large rocks that are used to enclose the dam and ensure that the water does not flow beyond the perimeter. The large rocks also help to prevent erosion. Riprap provides food and shelter for animals that feed on forage. They find the shade, shelter, and depth they crave in those ripraps. Channel catfish are the commonest of the species that can be found in that area.
Outside the bend of rivers
Catfish can also be found outside the bend of rivers. Rivers flow in the direction where there’s little or no opposing force (resistance). However, there are unavoidable circumstances when a river has to change its direction. In such cases, there could be an obstruction right under the water. This definitely will make the river have a hard-bottom bend, slightly away from the obstruction. At the beginning of the bend, it is very sure that you will see many catfish hiding there. The specie of catfish you’re likely to find here is flathead catfish. They love to hide in the dark areas of water. When the water current rises and hits the bank of the river, undercuts are formed. The undercuts offer a great habitat for large catfish. When the base of a tree is eroded on the bend and the tree eventually falls into the water, these whiskered animals will definitely find their way here to feed on the forage. So, that is another hotspot you must watch out for.
Bottom channel ledges
While fishing, you’re likely to come in contact with prominent bottom channels and ledges especially in lakes and rivers. Either of these houses large catfish. Plunging into those areas could be your jackpot hit. Channels are more like pathways where large catfish take while moving from one body of water to another; in search of shelter or food.
Pond holes
Pond catfish such as bullhead and channel cats are usually found at the base of deep water, near levees, and dams. However, their presence in this area may cease as soon as the quantity of oxygen needed for survival falls below normal. Most times, this happens in summer, when a pond is stratified. Deep pond holes are best to catch catfish during the day. Autumn and spring aren’t bad for fishing in deep pond holes, either. Hundreds of fish can be found deep down the holes during these weather conditions too. All you need to do is let down your bait in the hole and drag the monsters out.
Windswept Shorelines
Shorelines that have been pounded by wind could be a good shot for you when you want to catch catfish. When the heavy wind sweeps a lake, floating plankton are blown hard against the shores. Meanwhile, catfish don’t feed on these microscopic animals and plants. Although, shads and minnows are known to feed on these microscopic animals and plants. When these baitfish notice the presence of the plankton, they swim in their direction to feed on them. Catfish also swim in the same direction to feed on the baitfish, immediately after the baitfish pick the plankton. So, fishing on windswept shorelines could produce amazing results. As a catfish angler, you shouldn’t miss such a rare opportunity.
River holes
Most anglers find it very difficult to explore river-bottom holes. But that’s an unpopular magnet for large catfish. Electric current does not topple such area, and catfish find river holes comforting and calm to feed and rest. They are great hotspots for flathead, blue, and channels whiskers. Catfish that feel constrained to move about in the river-bottom hole don’t really go on a search for food. What they do is very simple. They stand still and wait until food sways past them, and viola, they go after it, effortlessly. On sunny days, catfish stay right deep in the water. So, you may have to sway and launch deep down several times before you can hit the jackpot. But at night, they cruise up the water to get their food. So, it is imperative you know the right time to use each of the tactics.
Rafts of logs and debris
During the season of high water, debris and logs are found floating on big rivers. As the water current increases, these logs and debris press against the backwater. Over time, the logs turn to rafts and attract a variety of baitfish to themselves. The rafts also attract forage. Consequently, catfish swim their way towards the rafts and baitfish and feed on them. Hence, a good angler must not miss this opportunity because no matter how amateur you may think your fishing experience is, you’ll definitely drag some whiskered monsters out of that spot.
Wing dikes
Wing dikes aid in redirecting current and consequently prevent erosion. Catfish usually gather themselves beside these rocky structures. Other fish are also found near them. So, it’s always a food-rich zone for every catfish that passes this region. However, you must learn to fish catfish upstream in this area. That’s exactly where they devour their prey. If you really want a big catch, ensure that your bait is weighted. Drop off your bait very close to the wing dikes where you can find eddies, bigger catfish are always in that area of the water.
CONCLUSION
There’s no doubt about the fact that catfish can be caught anywhere in the river. However, some factors may hinder you from dragging the biggest and large numbers of these creatures out of the water. Catfish naturally love to stay where they can get covers. They hide around and under structures such as holes, rocky bottoms, trees, wing dikes, stumps, trees, sunken islands, humps, and drop-offs. These are usually where the whiskered creatures hide their heads. This is exactly why you need to expend your energy to catch catfish.
Having all the baiting skills does not mean you have all it takes to catch the biggest river monsters. Anglers who are very skilled may not know where to launch their baits exactly for massive harvest. However, with this article, you’re sure to have gained more knowledge about how you can actually locate the best catfish hotspots in water bodies. Check out this Article: Homemade Catfish Bait Tips; to learn about the best homemade catfish baits, or go to Amazon and look at these catfish Baits