The tailraces below big-river dams frequently hold huge numbers of catfish. (Photo by Keith Sutton)
Catfish Basics #171—6 Structures That Always Hold Catfish
Story and photo by Keith Sutton
Learn how to identify key areas where you can enjoy consistent catfishing success.
Catfish are masters of blending into murky waters, but they have favorite hangouts where they’re easier to find—if you know where to look. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, learning how to identify these key structures can mean the difference between going home empty-handed or with a full stringer.
Some places definitely produce better than others, including the following six structures where whiskered fish congregate, gobbling up every morsel that passes by.
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Tailraces
Tailraces—the waters just below a dam—are catfish magnets. Here, oxygen levels are high, the current is strong, and forage is abundant, drawing catfish in droves. Their numbers swell even more during the spring prespawn period when upstream migrations are blocked, and again in summer when oxygen-poor downstream areas drive them toward fresher waters.
Most anglers in tailraces fish from the shore. A long upstream cast puts the bait into the “grooves” of slower-moving water between the open gates, allowing for a productive drift. Alternatively, some boaters motor to a safe, legal distance from the dam and fish downstream. Either way, this is prime territory for catching cats of all sizes.
Pro tip: Use heavier sinkers to hold your bait steady in strong currents and a slip-sinker rig for the best chance at hooking into big cats.
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Outside River Bends
As a river winds its way through the landscape, it follows the path of least resistance. When it hits a hard-bottom obstruction, it forms an outside bend. These bends often carve out deep, undercut ledges that create perfect hiding spots for catfish waiting to ambush passing prey.
Imagine the river gouging into the bank, leaving a sharp ledge where cats can sit in seclusion. Add in a few fallen trees toppled by erosion and you’ve got a prime hotspot for hungry fish. If there’s a deep pool just downstream, your odds of success increase even more.
Pro tip: Focus on casting near the undercut bank or around fallen trees on the outside bend. The more structure, the more likely you’ll find hungry cats.
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Bottom Channels
Whether you’re fishing a river or a lake, bottom channels are catfish highways. In larger bodies of water, these channels can be more obvious, but even subtle drops and ledges are worth exploring. A fish-finder will help you pinpoint these underwater highways.
Main channels act as the primary thoroughfare for migrating catfish, while smaller branch channels lead to shallower feeding grounds. Trophy cats often hover near these deeper waters, waiting to ambush prey near structures like brushpiles, humps or cuts in the bank.
During the day, anchor in shallow water near the drop-off and fish deeper areas. At night, reverse this strategy—cast into shallow waters where catfish move to feed under the cover of darkness.
Pro tip: Look for channel junctions and bends, especially where the current slows. Big cats love the transition zones where they can rest and feed.
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Riprap
Engineers place riprap—large rocks—along shorelines to prevent erosion, but to catfish, it’s a smorgasbord. Riprap, typically found near bridges, dams and causeways, provides depth, shade and abundant forage like shad and crawfish. For catfish, it’s the ideal habitat.
When faced with a long stretch of seemingly identical riprap, focus on the little variances that can make all the difference. A fallen tree, a drainage pipe or even a subtle change in the size of the rocks can be all it takes to lure in a big cat.
Pro tip: Cast along the rocks, not directly into them, using a slip-sinker rig. Look for any structural oddities, like boulders that change to smaller rocks, and fish there. Those small differences can produce big results.
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Log Rafts
During high-water periods, big-river backwaters often trap floating logs and debris, creating rafts that resemble tangled islands. These log rafts form when swirling eddy currents sweep logs into a vortex. Beneath these floating mats, baitfish congregate, drawing in hungry catfish.
To fish these rafts, anchor your boat just outside the raft’s outer edge. Use an egg-sinker rig—a 1- to 2-ounce sinker above a barrel swivel with your hook tied to the leader—and let the current pull your bait underneath the logs. This method can be tricky, but if you’re patient and place your bait correctly, the rewards are worth it.
Pro tip: Hold your rod tip high and strip line to guide your bait under the raft. If you don’t get a bite before your rig snags, reposition and try again. Cats here are usually quick to strike if they’re present.
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Deep Holes in Ponds
In ponds, deep holes near the dam are catfish lairs, especially during the day when the fish seek cool, dark depths. They only abandon these spots when oxygen levels fall too low, such as when ponds stratify in summer. Otherwise, these spots are productive year-round, but especially during the winter months when catfish gather in cold-water schools by the hundreds.
For best results, fish vertically from a boat, lowering your bait to the bottom and reeling up just a foot. Chicken livers or nightcrawlers work great for catching pond cats.
Pro tip: During the colder months, catfish pile into these holes. Slowly jig your bait near the bottom and be prepared for action once you find the school.
We’ve covered six hotspots here, but remember, there are dozens more waiting to be discovered. The key takeaway is simple: the best bait and equipment are useless unless you’re fishing where the catfish are. Take the time to find these key structures, present your bait properly, and you’ll greatly increase your odds of not only catching lots of catfish but also landing an occasional trophy.
By following these tips, you’ll not only fish smarter but also experience the thrill of consistently reeling in whiskerfish. So, next time you’re on the water, don’t leave it to chance—target these hotspots and get ready for action!
