Catfish Early Summer. (June 5-20Th)

[Alaskman35]

I'll be down in the states staying in a rented cabin. I will be staying a few nights on the south side of bull shoals. Near the main boat dock.

(2 miles west / northwest).

Could anyone maybe give me a few hints, tricks, suggestions?) I'm an ocean fisherman here in Alaska so I have very little lake fishing experience. I will have the use of a 18' bass boat. I've been doing as much research as I can and have noticed the lake has very good visibility and not a lot of natural cover.

Anyways I have a few cans of salmon I'll bring with me to anyone that can share some sound helpful advice. I'm a firm believer in never taking with out giving. Thank you for any and all help.

[Fishslayer88]

They should be spawning at that time. I would try creek arms around chunk rocks, timber and steep banks your best bait will probably be cut shad and live green sunfish or bluegill.

[Terrierman]

Rod and reel or set lines?

[Alaskman35]

Fishslayer- thanks for the tips.

I will have both rod and reel, but was hoping to set trot lines, jug lines, etc.

planned on using perch, and maybe crawfish as bait! I also plan on making some chum to add as a frozen block to some of the lines.

[Terrierman]

Fishslayer- thanks for the tips.

I will have both rod and reel, but was hoping to set trot lines, jug lines, etc.

planned on using perch, and maybe crawfish as bait! I also plan on making some chum to add as a frozen block to some of the lines.

Set jugs on flats in about 15' of water with the perch on a big circle hook at about 7'.

[Alaskman35]

I have lots of 7/0 -9/0 Circle hooks I use for halibut. I was planning on using those. Is that a good size?

Are trot lines more pain than they are worth?

Also I see there are some really deep water

In that lake! Has anyone ever tried setting anything in the deep spots?

Bigger deeper water= bigger fish? Or is that the difference between fresh and salt?

[Terrierman]

9/0 is perfect.

[Fishslayer88]

I usually use 9/0 and big green sunfish especially if im targeting flathead. The deep water can be productive when the lake starts heating up around mid to late summer.At night big catfish come up shallow to feed if you're gonna be daytime fishing you may need to try deeper or good cover.

If you are going to be here early to mid june the fish should be either pre spawn or on the nest so the creek and river arms should be your main focus.

[Alaskman35]

Fish slayer!

Thanks again for all the info. Ive purchased two crawfish traps that I plan on using and hope to try using them for bait.

I'll let my two 3 year old boys catch all my perch to use at bait.

Thank you for all the advice and tips.

Let me know if you'd like a few cans of salmon.