Catfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish, and they are commonly found in the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flood season is often a great opportunity for anglers to catch catfish. With its relatively swift current, the Mississippi River provides unique challenges for catfish fishing, but it can be done. Here is a guide to catching catfish in the Mississippi River when it is flooding.
Find moving water
The key to successful catfish fishing in the Mississippi River is to find moving water. Many anglers overlook this crucial step, but it’s essential for successful fishing. When the river is flooding, the current is stronger and more dispersed. This makes it harder to locate areas with sufficient water movement to attract concentrated populations of catfish. Experienced catfish anglers often try to find sections of the river where the water is flowing most rapidly, as this will provide more oxygen for the catfish and other fish.
Locate debris, structure, and cover
Anglers should then identify possible locations with debris, structures, and cover. Flood waters often bring an abundance of natural and man-made debris into the river, and this debris provides additional cover for the catfish. Look for logs, branches, rocks, and other structures that will give catfish places to hide and shelter. Flood water also creates large river eddies and current breaks, which are great spots to target catfish. Keep an eye out for riprap and submerged boulders, as these areas are often teeming with catfish.
Find the best bait and tackle
Different types of fish require different types of tackle and bait. Catfish usually respond best to live bait, such as minnows, worms, and leeches. Natural baits work best for Mississippi River catfish, although artificial lures can also produce good results. The type of rig used will also vary based on the type of fish being targeted. When fishing for catfish, anglers should use a slip-sinker rig and a stout rod to ensure that they can handle the river’s powerful currents. Make sure the tackle is appropriate for the type and size of the fish you are targeting.
Select the right timing and conditions
When fishing for catfish in the Mississippi River, timing is often the most important factor. The best time to fish is during the early morning or early evening, when the water is still and the fish are more active. However, during flooding season the best times to fish will vary based on the location, weather, and other conditions. As the river rises, the water currents become more powerful and the catfish will move to different parts of the river. Be sure to pay attention to the changing conditions and adjust your fishing location and tactics accordingly.
Use sonar to locate fish
Using sonar to locate concentrations of fish can significantly improve your chances of catching catfish. Sonar can help you identify schools of fish, and some models can even detect different types of fish. When fishing in the Mississippi River, sonar can be invaluable for locating concentrations of fish as well as areas with good structure and cover. Be sure to have the proper fish-finding equipment and know how to use it correctly.
Look for signs of feeding activity
When the Mississippi River is flooding, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of feeding activity. Look out for birds hovering over the water, as they are often a sign that the fish are actively feeding. Look for swirling water, which may indicate that the catfish are cruising the surface for food. And look out for small baitfish, which often indicate that the bigger fish nearby are actively feeding.
Be prepared for the warmer water
The water temperature in the Mississippi River will be much higher when it is flooding than when it is not. This can affect the behavior of the catfish, as they become more active in warmer waters. Anglers should be aware of this and adjust their tactics accordingly. For example, they should use lighter lines and smaller hooks to target the more active fish.
Be patient and selective
Finally, anglers need to be patient when fishing the flooded Mississippi River. It can take time to find the right spots and ensure success. Furthermore, the angler must be selective about the catfish they choose to keep. Catfish numbers may have dwindled due to lower oxygen levels, so it is important to be mindful of the catfish population and only keep the fish that are in healthy condition.
Know the regulations
Before heading out for a fishing trip on the Mississippi River, be sure to research the regulations in your area. Every state and county may have their own regulations regarding catfish fishing, so it’s important to be aware of these rules. Furthermore, it is important to practice catch and release when fishing in areas where regulations require it.
Familiarize Yourself With The River
Knowing the different areas of the Mississippi River can help anglers get the most out of a catfish fishing trip. Familiarizing yourself with the contours and structures of the river, as well as the type of cover and bait available can radically improve your chances of success. Furthermore, the varying depths of the river can also effect where the catfish will congregate, so it pays to be aware of these depths.
Try different approaches
Be willing to try different approaches when fishing for catfish in the Mississippi River. Different parts of the river may require different tactics, such as casting and river fishing, float fishing, or trolling. Be prepared to experiment with these different techniques and try to find the one that works the best for your particular location.
Be aware of the risks
Finally, when fishing for catfish in the Mississippi River, be aware of the risks. Water levels can fluctuate unexpectedly due to sudden changes in weather, and this can put anglers in danger. Even experienced anglers should take precautions when fishing in these conditions, such as wearing a life jacket and checking the water level before heading out. Furthermore, anglers should check the forecasts and pay attention to any warning signs that river levels may be rising.
