Seasonal Patterns For Catfishing

1. Prespawn: Fish are on the way to, or in the vicinity of spawning areas. Fish often group, and feed heavilly to prepare for the spawn. They will not be too picky about what they eat, so a variety of bait would be a good choice. Fishing at this period is some of the best all year. Water condition shows rising temperatures and stabalizing river flows.

2. Spawn: A brief, variable period linked to the range of prefered spawning temperatures for each fish species. Feeding activity usually slows when the fish are spawning, although fish of the same species dont always spawn at the same time. Water conditions stable with temperatures 75degrees or higher.

3. Postspawn: A brief transition period with length depending on water and weather conditons. Fish begin feeding strategies and move to places that they will inhabit most of the year. Water conditions are stable, with water temperatures in upper 70's to mid 80's. This applies to the presummer period as well.

4. Presummer: A continuing transition period. Fish search for areas to spend the summer and begin to establish summer patterns.

5. Summer Peak: Fish establish a pattern in an environment that can sustain them for summer.The sudden presence of other fish usually triggers competitive feeding and some very good fishing. Water conditions are stable with water temperatures in the 80's or above. This applies to summer and postsummer as well.

6. Summer: Usually a long period when fish remain in habitat areas established during summer peak. Fish activity, and location is fairly predictable during this time. Making finding and catching big cats a little easier.

7. Postsummer: Cooler weather lowers water temperatures, and fish move toward areas where they will spend winter. This cooler weather will often times spur heavy feeding so the fish can prepare for a scarce winter.

8. Turnover: Occurs in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that stratify into 3 distinct water-temperature layers during the summer. As fall progresses, cooler weather lowers surface water temperatures, the cooler water sinks, and stratification breaks down, allowing fish to use the entire column of water. This is usally a time of poor fishing. This rarely affects river though. In rivers, postsumer slides into the fall cold water then winter periods. Water temperatures become more unstable. Cooling from the 80's to lower temperatures at a steady rate of decline.

9. Cold Water: Occurs in late fall, and in very early spring. Fish are grouped in or near winter holding areas.

10. Winter: Coldest water of the year. Frozen water occurs in northern regions. River catfish reside in deep holes away from heavy current. In lakes, ponds and reservoirs, catfish hold in the deepest holes with the best structure. Warmer water is normally found there, as well as baitfish to sustain the catfish throughout winter. With the exception of blue cat, fishing can be very difficult at this time of year. Water conditions arent as stable, and water temperatures are at their coldest for an extended period of time.