How To Find and Catch Catfish In The Winter

Catching catfish in the winter is challenging but rewarding.  Winter fishing, especially in the northern states, can be challenging but is well worth the chilly experience.  Many anglers will say that they’ve caught the biggest fish during the winter months.

Locating Winter Catfish

During the winter catfish tend to be much less active than during other seasons.  As the water gets colder, catfish get less active.  They tend to prefer deeper areas in lakes and ponds and areas with lower currents in rivers.  This may be behind logs, bridge supports, deep pools at river turns, and other low-current areas.  Since they are inactive they tend to eat less and require less food for energy.

Once you locate a deep spot with catfish you will typically find them here for the rest of the season.  They are much more predictable in the winter and don’t move around very often.  Occasionally on a warm day they will follow bait fish into the shallower areas but usually return to the depths as it cools off.

Bait

Since catfish tend are much less active in the winter you must use a bait that will really get noticed.  FRESHLY CUT cut bait works well as it will leave a bloody scent trail that will entice the docile catfish to investigate.  Stink bait tends to work well too, but make sure to get one that is very stinky.  I’ve had success with blood-scented stink baits.  Sometimes I will spray garlic attractant on my freshly cut bluegill and had good luck with the channel catfish at a river bend.  Rotting chicken liver works well too as winter catfish are used to scavenging more during the winter months and are used to following rotting flesh scents.

Stay Warm, Be Smart

Make sure to dress for the cold weather.  Cold weather often gets worse around bodies of water and the wind really comes off the water at higher speeds and colder temperatures.  As you get cold your sense of judgment and balance can become impaired.  You must also be wary of ice.  Snow can accumulate on top of thin ice, giving the false appearance of safety.  Be safe!

Feel free to share any of your own winter fishing tips or winter fishing stories!