Channel Catfish: Where and How to Catch Them by Season
Where Channel Catfish hold, what to throw and when the bite peaks, season by season, with lakes to try.
When the bite is on
Across 347 lakes in our guide that list this fish, the bite rates highest in May, June, July. Bars show how strong the bite is, month by month (tallest bar in red is the peak).
Season by season
At 50-60F, channel cats move out of deep holes to shallow flats, creek mouths and riprap at 3-12 ft. Cut bait, worms and stinkbait fished on bottom work well, mostly evenings.
Water above 70F brings nighttime feeding on flats and shorelines from 3-15 ft. During daylight they rest in deeper holes, 15-30 ft, or around wood. Chicken liver, cut shad and dip baits are reliable.
They feed hard as water falls from the 70s, along channel edges and flats at 5-20 ft. Cut shad, shrimp and nightcrawlers on bottom rigs are top choices.
Under 45F they stay in deep holes at 20-40 ft and rarely feed. Use small pieces of cut bait still on the bottom, on warm spells.
Spawning occurs around 70-80F, in dark cavities such as logs, banks and rock crevices. Males guard the nest, so fishing during this time can hurt the population.
Baits that work
- Cut shad or bluegill
- Chicken liver
- Nightcrawlers
- Stinkbait or dip bait
- Shrimp
Common mistakes
- Using hooks that are too small
- Fishing in open, bright water midday
- Setting the hook too soon
- Not rinsing slime from bait rigs
Lakes to try
Lakes in our guide where this fish rates at its best, with maps, boat ramps and bait shops on every page.