New to the State - Cats in the Litchfield area?

[akthor]

Recent transplant from Maine.We had Hornpout there which are small catfish. I've always dreamed of catching BIG catfish. Anyone know any spots around Litchfield? I'm a catch and release guy so no interest in keeping any. Also would like to go with an experienced angler. I have access to a boat if needed.

[aanderud]

In Litchfield, I think your best bet for cats is to head north to the horseshoe chain and catch channel catfish. It's about a 30 minute drive or so. You can fish the hwy 22 bridge where the sauk river runs through, or any of the bridges will probably offer up some action. In a boat, I'd guess the weed edges would be productive. Plenty of cats in that chain, but for the most part they aren't what I'd consider "big". Use light gear, what you'd normally use for walleyes or even crappies, and you'll have a blast catching them.

If you want bigger cats, you have to hit bigger waters, like the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, or the St Croix. All of those have flatheads. None are close to you, however.

[akthor]

I'm catching 10lb + carp pretty easily and few really big ones. I guess if I can only catch big ones in the big rivers I'll wait to catfish when I can get to one of the big rivers.

[aanderud]

Yeah, I won't say there are NO bigger cats in sauk chain, but a 10 pounder up there is considered large and those are pretty rare.

[Mr Special]

+1

the Chain is a great fishery and i think u should give it a shot. it also has sum big carps in there aswell

there are cats over 10lbs and ive sen many in the teens in there but not as many as other waters thats all.

like annderud said, the hwy 22 bridge is a great spot or any bridge really. theres a dam in town that can be very good as well

medium action setup like walleye gear6'6"-7'

use a slip rig with a 1oz, swivel leader about 12-18" to a 2/0-4/0 circle hook and ur good to go

as for bait, crawlers will catch everything, cut bait "suckers, bullheads" is best to target cats with.

chicken livers wrk well but i have trouble keepin them on the hook "user error"

a few fatheads smushed on a hook will do well also

good luck and have fun

[DARK30]

Check some maps and do some snoopin around the north fork of the Crow River too.. (due north of Litchfield) Your not a quick drive from any solid numbers of larger catfish that I know of.

Good luck

[FshBloodRiverMud]

I've always dreamed of catching BIG catfish.

Give this guy a call.

Grand Forks.

Fish will be BIG.

http://www.redrivercatfish.com/contact_us.php

[fiskyknut]

I'll wait to catfish when I can get to one of the big rivers.

Head for the Red north of Drayton. The river teams with 20+ pounders and they are very easy to catch !!