How to Fish for Catfish During the Cold Season

Fishermen target catfish throughout the year, though the cold-water season can be one of the most challenging times to catch them. That is because catfish, like most other fish species, are relatively sluggish when the water is cold. They do not move around as much as they do when the water is warmer, which means they do not need to eat as much. But fishermen who use a slow presentation that stays in front of the fish still can catch them when the water is cold.

Things You'll Need

  • Rod and reel, medium to medium-heavy action
  • Line, 15- to 20-lb. test
  • Sinker
  • Swivel
  • Hook
  • Bait
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Spool 15- or 20-lb. monofilament fishing line onto a medium or medium-heavy action fishing rod and reel. Cut 3 feet from the fishing line and set it aside.

    • 2

      Thread an egg-shaped sinker onto the main fishing line. One-ounce sinkers are common, but use a sinker that is just heavy enough to keep the rig in constant contact with the bottom.

    • 3

      Connect the 36-inch leader that you set aside to one end of a barrel swivel, and connect the main fishing line to the other. Connect lines to swivel with a Palomar knot.

    • 4

      Tie a 3/0 fishing hook to the end of the 36-inch leader.

    • 5

      Add bait to the hook. Night crawlers, live or cut minnows, and commercially made stink bait all work well for catfish.

    • 6

      Cast the rig to likely areas, including around deep holes and pools, bends in the river channel, and spots with submerged brush and logs. Under low-light conditions, cast to shallow areas that lead into pools are deep holes.

    • 7

      Leave the rig on the bottom and wait for a catfish to bite. The fish may hit the bait hard and nearly rip the rod and reel from your hands. But in cold water, a bite likely will feel like additional tension on the line. Either way, set the hook by sweeping the tip of the fishing rod.