How to Fish for Catfish in the Kanawha River

Catfish is a popular quarry for fishermen along the Kanawha River in southwestern West Virginia. The Mountain State is home to several different species of catfish, including the blue, channel and flathead varieties, all of which can be found to varying degrees in the Kanawha River. The river, nearly 100 miles long, runs from Gauley Bridge in Fayette County to Point Pleasant, Mason County, where it joins the Ohio River.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing license
  • Boat
  • Fishing rod
  • Skipjack herring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Be aware of spawning before you go fishing. Different species of catfish spawn when the water reaches a certain temperature. When spawning begins, catfish typically hide themselves away in structures within the water, such as old tires and hollow logs, so catch rates will often go down once spawning begins.

    • 2

      Take a fishing boat out into the Kanawha River. Many species of catfish tend to be active in deeper water, so this will give you more maneuverability than fishing from the shore. The state Department of Natural Resources recommends fishing around dawn or dusk -- not only to escape punishing midday heat, but also because 70 to 82 degrees is the optimal temperature for catfish.

    • 3

      Find an area likely to have some catfish. These fish prefer deeper areas of the river with moderate or strong currents and they often emerge at night to feed. Blue catfish -- which often reach 50 pounds -- can be found in creek mouths and discharges, so don't forget to explore smaller offshoots of the Kanawha River as well.

    • 4

      Use fresh or live bait. Though catfish can be caught with lures, skipjack herring is a popular bait with anglers both on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. In addition to pieces of skipjack herring, other appropriate baits include crayfish, mussels, clams or any smaller fish native to the area in which you're fishing.

    • 5

      Do not over fish. You can face fines if you're caught catching more fish than the law allows, so check with DNR to learn how many catfish you can catch legally.