Summer fishing for catfish presents some challenges and opportunities. In most areas June is the month catfish move into deeper, cooler water after their shallow springtime spawning runs. To find summer catfish you must fish the deeper pools in rivers and streams or the deeper areas of lakes. In the spring anglers can put a live or cut bait in just about any body of water and catfish will eventually pass the bait while traveling upstream to spawn. The key technique to locating fish in the summer is finding the deep holes.
Channel Catfish Summer Tips
During the summer months I recommend getting a good stink bait or live bluegill. Search for deep holes in river or stream bends or along fallen trees. Cast your bait just upstream from cover so that the scent travels downstream towards cover like fallen trees.
Flathead Catfish Summer Tips
Like during all seasons, the best bait to use for flathead catfish is live bluegill or other natural live baitfish from the water you are fishing. Flathead catfish hardly ever take dead bait or stink bait, although it does happen. Search for cover like fallen trees, underwater rocky cliffs, or river or lake banks or shores that have holes along the side. Cast your live bait near these places where flatheads like to dwell and you should get a bite.
Blue Catfish Summer Fishing Tips
Live bluegill or other baitfish seem to work best to catch blue catfish in the summer although a fresh cut bait of bluegills seems to work well too. Search for deeper water in slower moving areas to target large blue catfish. Change spots frequently if you don't get a bite within 15 to 30 minutes.
Night Fishing for Catfish vs. Daytime Fishing for Catfish
Many will tell you that nighttime is the best time for catching catfish. I do not fully agree with this, especially during the summer. Larger catfish do tend to come in the shallows to feed during the summer nights, but I've found finding a deep hole during the day can be as productive as night fishing. It's all about finding the deeper pools where the catfish are, which can be easy in the summer especially during dry periods. As river or stream levels drop the deeper areas can be easier to identify and target.
Summer Fishing Safety
Remember to pack enough water and sunscreen. Good luck catching some monsters this summer!
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