Catfishing When the Leaves Fall

When I was just a youngster catfishing in Arkansas farm ponds and rivers 60 years ago, winter was a time when most folks put away their catfishing gear and turned their attention to other pursuits. I don’t think I knew a single person who deliberately fished for catfish from the time the leaves fell from the trees in November until the waters started warming again in March or April.

Back then, catfishing was mostly considered a warm-weather activity. When the first cold winds began blowing and frost covered the grass, most anglers figured the catfish had quit biting. We didn’t know what we were missing.

Today, things are different. More and more anglers are discovering that some of the year’s best catfishing can take place during the coldest months. Blue catfish and channel catfish don’t simply disappear when winter arrives. They continue feeding, and anglers who understand their seasonal movements are learning how to catch them consistently, even when the water temperature drops.

Of course, winter fishing isn’t necessarily a matter of doing the same things you do in June or July. Cold weather changes the game. Fish movements, feeding habits and preferred locations can be quite different, and successful anglers have learned to adjust accordingly.

Finding the fish is often the biggest challenge. As water temperatures fall, catfish may gather in deeper areas, seek out suitable wintering holes or position themselves along channel edges and other underwater structure. Current, depth and available forage all play important roles. Electronics have made locating these places easier than ever, but understanding what you’re looking at still requires knowledge and experience.

Bait selection and presentation matter, too. Some anglers continue catching fish on traditional cut baits, while others experiment with different offerings depending on the species, location and conditions. Blue catfish and channel catfish don’t always respond the same way, and learning those differences can make a big difference in winter success.

Perhaps most important is the willingness to get out there and learn. Winter catfishing isn’t always comfortable. Cold winds, chilly boat rides and numb fingers are part of the experience. But those who prepare properly and understand how to fish changing conditions often discover rewards that make the discomfort worthwhile.

I find it interesting how much our understanding of catfishing has changed over the years. Sixty years ago, I thought the arrival of November meant the end of catfishing until spring. Today, I know better. And judging by the growing number of anglers who are catching blues and channels throughout the winter, I’m certainly not alone.

There’s something satisfying about catching a big catfish when the trees are bare and the fishing pressure has eased. The crowds are gone, the scenery has changed, and every fish feels like a special accomplishment.

Winter doesn’t have to mean putting away the catfish rods. For those willing to learn new techniques and follow the fish, it can mean opening the door to an entirely new season of fishing. That’s a lesson I wish I’d learned 60 years ago.

Hook ‘em! I’ll see you downstream.

Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor