Catfish Question

[Bittle]

I know everybody's attention is on the crappie and bass at the moment and I'm not going to lie so is mine. I couldn't help but remember a couple years ago fishing with my dad for crappie using minnows. We found a bunch of spawning catfish and let me tell you 8lb catfish on 6lb line will drag you all around a boat. But what a load of fun. I was wondering if the catfish spawn begins with the crappie or a little later with the bass. Just a quick thought. I'm usually not a serious catfish fisherman but my dad reminded me of what a blast we had. In fact two days later he took my mom out and I was on a ski boat with some friends and when I stopped by to check on them, my mom was screaming chasing a 5lb cat around the boat. Any info will be helpful, I just hope its a little later in the spawning season because my bones are itching for the crappie run. Thanks if advance.

Bittle

[Stuartwp]

Its been my experinace that catfish spawn after bass by a month or so. I have caught catfish in early April when there was a skim of ice on part of the water and they did have small undeveloped egg sacks. If you draw a line from St. Louis to Kansas City, generally that spawn should take place the first couple weeks of June. Futher south its a little earlier, further north it a little later. Each peice of water is a little different, and rivers are a little different than lakes. Flatheads will spawn clear up into July when the water temparaure hits the 80 degree mark, which also seems to be a peak time for water skiers. I don't know about a spawning run so much, but doesn't mean they wouldn't. There are spawing locations that are better than others for each type of fish. Find a prime spot and it wold be very possible to catch several catfish in one area. Could be you lucked on to just such a place. Only way to find out is to go back and try it again, and by all means do so.......every chance you get. Your right, they are a blast to catch and they are great fried in bacon grease and sprinkled with lemon pepper.

[Phil Lilley]

I am not an authority on cats on TR but I've been told they spawn towards the backs of coves in June. I'm sure someone else can speak to it better than I.

[kscatman]

Here in kansas you can hammer the channel when the crappie are spawning. I catch them with road runners like crazy while trying to catch crappie. My theory is that the channel are stacked up in the shallow water eating the crappie eggs as they are being laid. Hope this helps.

Travis