Habitat

Most of our fishing is done on rivers so we will focus on river habitat. One of our favorite places to fish for big catfish is in and around logjams. Logjams hold catfish nearly year round. Some logjams are better than others are; larger jams usually hold more and bigger fish. Try to find large jams in five to ten feet of water. Very shallow jams may hold catfish, but usually not large ones. Most of the time a big catfish will have the best home in the river.

Low-Head Dams

Low-head dams can be hot spots, especially in the spring. The dams block upstream movements of catfish so fish will concentrate in the hole below the dam. The water coming over the dam will push food to the fish in the hole below. Dams can produce good fishing year round, but after spring is over fish often back off the dams in search of spawning areas.

Holes

The hole is the home of the catfish. Many times if you have a long flat area and then a hole that hole will produce lots of fish. Holes are best if they offer other cover such as logs or rocks, especially for flatheads, they like cover.

Feeder Creeks

Feeder Creeks can produce very well at certain times of the year. High water periods many times in the spring will push baitfish into the feeder creeks. You can bet catfish won’t be far behind. Flatheads love feeder creeks when water is high, they view them as the restaurant within the river. Water conditions change the habitat that catfish choose. We can’t possibly tell you everything about catfish habitat; however, we have given you a few sure bets that will increase your odds of catching some good cats.