Big catfish awaken in early spring

In late winter and early spring, after ice is gone from area lakes, anglers begin to venture out in hopes of catching a few fish. Fishing can be slow this time of year, however, because water is still cold, fish are not very active, and most remain in deeper water. During the first few fishing trips of the year, most anglers are just happy to get out of the house and enjoy a nice day. For those who know where to go and what to fish for, however, early spring fishing can produce some awesome catches. This is especially true for one of Missourian's favorite fishes, the channel catfish. Although catfish are often considered a summer fish, late winter/early spring can produce some of the best catfishing action of the year and if you like big fish this is the time to go!

Several conditions converge in early spring to set the table for outstanding catfishing. First, large numbers of gizzard shad die each winter in area lakes. This small fish is found in many of our lakes, is usually very abundant, and is eaten by a variety of other fishes. Winter die-offs of shad occur naturally in north Missouri due to the shad's low tolerance for prolonged cold. An abundance of winter-killed shad provides plentiful food for a scavenger like the catfish and sets the stage for a feeding frenzy. Catfish need an additional trigger to begin their feeding binge, however, and this trigger is rising water temperatures. Warm, sunny days or warm rains in early spring rapidly heat shallow waters of a lake creating areas which are warmer than the remainder of the lake. When this occurs, catfish move out of the deeper, colder areas of the lake to gorge themselves on winter-killed shad in these relatively warm, shallow waters.

The best days to fish are warm, windy days beginning soon after the ice is gone. Days following a warm rain can be especially good. A rise in water temperature of just a few degrees in the shallow areas of a lake is all it takes. The best areas are those where the wind is blowing into shore since these areas are where winter-killed shad will collect. If shallow areas are not available on the downwind end of the lake, look for shallow areas with a cross wind. Water should be very shallow, from 1 to 4 feet deep. Large expanses of shallow water warm more rapidly and will provide better fishing than small areas of shallow water. Large, shallow coves or shallow, upper arms of the lake are good places to try. A depth contour map of the lake can be very helpful in locating the best areas to fish.

Because catfish are feeding on winter-killed fish, primarily shad, cut shad is the best bait. While pieces of fresh shad often work best during summer, the nastiest smelling shad you can find will be more enticing to catfish this time of year. Many bait shops sell foul-smelling shad in jars and this bait works very well. Fresh shad or dead minnows will also work but the smellier the better. Cut shad into several pieces and thread a piece onto a #2 or 1/0 hook. Use a sliding sinker for weight so that catfish can run with the bait without feeling resistance. Place a small split-shot sinker about 2 feet from the hook to keep the sliding sinker from sliding down to the hook. Cast the bait into shallow water and leave your reel in free-spool. This will allow catfish to take line freely for a few seconds before you set the hook. Catfish, especially in early spring, will drop the bait if they feel any resistance. Because you may tie into some large fish, you should not use light tackle. A long pole will help you set the hook and line weight of at least 12lb test is recommended.

If you fish in one spot for 30 minutes with no luck, try somewhere else. Once you find the right spot, action will be fast. Because catfish will be in shallow water, often less than 3 feet deep, it is important to be quiet. Catfish can be easily spooked in these shallow waters by a boat motor or activity on the bank.

The best lakes for early spring catfishing in northwest Missouri include Smithville Reservoir, Grindstone Reservoir, Pony Express Lake, Limpp Lake, Nodaway County Community Lake, Lake Paho, Hamilton City Reservoir, and Jamesport Community Lake. Currently, the Missouri Department of Conservation is developing depth contour maps for public lakes in northwest Missouri. Many lakes are already completed and most will be completed by summer. Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation's Regional Office in St. Joseph for more information on contour maps, spring catfishing, or other fishing opportunities in northwest Missouri ((816) 271-3100) or email: nwfisheries@mdc.mo.gov.

Some of the most exciting catfishing action of the year will begin in a few weeks so start your spring fishing a little early this year, you may be surprised with what you catch!