Early Season Catfish

As the temperatures rise and the water becomes warmer, catfish start becoming more active. Coming out of winter cats are moving out of their lethargic state, and are ready to start adding body weight they lost during the winter and getting ready for the spawn. Catfish moving to their feeding grounds offer a great opportunity for catching spring catfish. Here are a few tips for catching spring cats.

• Fish shallow north banks where the water will warm faster.
• Fish the mouths of feeder creeks, the water from the feeder creek will most likely be warmer.
• Bigger catfish like cut bait more than worms.
• Try minnows, shrimp, and chicken livers
• Try baits that resemble what is available in their environment.
• If you don't get hits within 15-20 minutes cast your bait to a different spot. Don't fall in love with one spot. The fish are moving around searching for food, so be prepared to change spots.
• Talk to your local bait shop. They usually know where they are being caught and what baits they are being caught on.

Do you have any tips for catching catfish? Share them in the comments section.

Check out these tips for Spring Crappie Fishing.