Tips For Catching Catfish In The Spring

Winter is almost over and spring is just around the corner. We, as fishermen are ready to check our rods, reels, tackle, etc. and get geared up for the active spring fishing season.

What Gear Will I Need For Spring Fishing?

Bait casting reels and a long medium rod works best. I use a rod that is 7 feet because I feel this will give a long cast. While a rod with medium action allows you a good feel when the catfish bites. Your tackle should match the type of fish you are wanting to land. The blue and flathead catfish can easily weigh over 40 pounds while the channel catfish usually averages around 10 pounds.

Why Is Spring A Good Fishing Time?

Spring is usually a very productive fishing season because as the chilly winter water starts to warm the fish knows spawning season is near. As the temperature starts to rise the catfish will move to the shallow water before spawning. During this time they will be very aggressive feeders.

What Bait Should I Use?

The cold winters have caused some fish to die off, these dead fish are a feast for the catfish. You should fish accordingly. Your best bait will be a smelly cut bait such as sardines, herring or my favorite shad. A good purchased or homemade stink bait will also be a good bait choice. Later in spring, after the temperatures have warmed the waters more, you should fish with worms, stink bait and live bait fish.

Where Is The Best Place To Drop My Hook?

A warm day in spring will be an ideal for fishing. Even a few degrees increase in temperature will indicate to the catfish it is time to start moving to shallow waters looking for food before spawning. Always fish on the sunny downwind side of the river or lake as this is the area that natural baits will be found. The best place to drop you hook will be in the areas where creeks and rivers feed in to area lakes. Large shallow areas 2 feet to 6 feed deep should bring in a nice catch. These shallow flats will be where the catfish will spawn. Just after a warm summer rain is a really good time because the rain causes the waters to stir, in turn causing more fish activity.

With all this in mind, go ahead and plan that Spring fishing trip.

Good Luck when catching the big catfish! This spring the catfish will be very active due to the wet conditions. Be sure to catch your limit.