How to Fish for Catfish

The most common catfish in North America is the channel catfish. You can improve your catch of this fish by following these guidelines.

Step 1: Use bait with a strong scent Use bait that has a strong scent. Catfish use their noses to find food.
Step 2: Fish near sharp bends Fish for channel catfish where there are sharp bends in a river. The bends are accompanied by undercut areas that catfish like.
Step 3: Fish near submerged trees Fish during the day where there are tree deadfalls, stumps, and flooded trees. Catfish are bottom feeders and are frequently found in these places.
TIP: Catfish move around a great deal in lakes. Planted catfish may travel in schools rather than dispersing.
Step 4: Fish at dusk Fish just before or just after sunset. Catfish are particularly active feeders at these times of day.
TIP: Scout the river during the day and note holes with sharp flats nearby. Catfish feed on the slopes of holes and on the flats at night.
Step 5: Be quiet Be careful not to make loud noises when fishing. Catfish are particularly sensitive to sound.
FACT: The African eel catfish can climb out of the water and stalk prey on land.