Catch catfish in the winter

Depending on where in the country you live winter strikes at different times. Most of the anglers in the country hang up their poles for a hibernation and shack up in the house. This could (if you can bear the cold yourself) cause you to miss out on some of the most fun fishing you've had!

Catfish still feed heavily throughout the winter although they're techniques differ slightly. Ths first and most notable difference is that most species don't migrate much from their nesting spot. What his means to you is that you have to go out and find them.

Also, fish move deep in the winter months. Unless your by a spillway or a spring the water temperature is higher in deeper waters.

So there are 2 things already that will narrow down your search. Look for a large enough area in a deep spot on the body of water.

The next bit of advice is look for where the current leads. In the winter the catfish is even more lazy than usual and waits for food to come to him. This makes him a scavenger since most objects that willingly come to a predator are dead animals moving with the current. If it is a river look where the rapids run into a deep pool. If it is a lake or pond look for natural spots on the bank or near the bank where erosion looks to have bent the shoreline. This will help you find a spot that could contain a fast underwater current.

While researching the current we've also found a possible bait that will work. Cutbait and other types of bait that work in a scavenging mode will work wonders. Rarely will a winter catfish hit heavily on live bait (other than leaches or worms).

The major takers your going to have are channels and blues. You might get the occasional flathead but don't be surprised if it is a dink or otherwise not worth keeping.

Good luck and keep yourself warm!