How Early?

[Crawlerman]

How early can channels be actively caught from bank fishing? I have never been able to catch any earlier than late April/early may, though the Carp seem to become active much eariler in the season. And if catchable during the early spring; is it better during the day when it is warmer, or at night? I've just never had much luck early season catfishin.. anyone have any pointers?

[CANOPY SAM]

I've had about the same luck Crawlerman. Seems like the water has to warm up a bit before they get active. I've got a sneaking suspicion that we're in for a really dry, hot summer though. So I'm bettin' they'll start feeding a little earlier with the warming water this spring.

[DARK30]

Upper 40's to low 50's gets things started but nothing beats a warm spring rain. When the nightcrawlers show up, grab a few and throw um on a hook!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Boar]

Thers a good read in the 2003 Catfish Insider,Channel Cats at Ice-Out. mid 50's air temp and lower 40's for water temp seemed to get channels active early. Later, boar

[deadeye]

I have found that about 50 degrees is the temp when cats really start to bite. I usually try it before then but I never get much till the water hits 50. This may be wrong since you can get them through the ice but it seems to be the way it has gone for me in the past.><>
deadeye

[Walleye_GFA]

I used to do very well in Kansas in January and February by fishing the deep holes with cut sour shad and giant (3 - 4 inch) sponge baits...

Im thinking of running the Minnesota from the Sippi up looking for concentrated cats... THey should all still be in the deepest holes...

But then again, in Kansas the water temps were in the upper 40's and even 50's in February at times...

If anyone has any experience with deep holes in cold water please let me know here, or email [email protected] please put something about fishing in the subject... (wont pitch as spam)...

FD, MM, How about it ???? Wanna try ????

Also, Dennis, Im the person who was fishing with Fisher Dave over the weekend (green 1750 Crestliner)...

Later, and good to be back !!!

W_GFA