flathead catfish

[mnfisherman]

I have never caught a flathead catfish and I would really like to. I've done a lot of reading on how to catch them and I hope to catch one this year. The Mississippi is near my house and I was wondering if anyone has had any luck fishing the main channel from shore? I know the best time for flatheads ia at night but I can't fish for them at night and I need to know how the bite at day time and what part of the day would be best?

[DARK30]

Mnfisherman, Welcome to FM!

Yes, fishing for Flatheads in the daytime works but deeper water would be best. If you can hit some "fish friendly" deeper holes you will up your odds. Later on this summer, You may want to call in sick some night and give it a shot.

Remember, You can read all you want but you'll need to spend the time putting it to work. Good luck and don't forget the camera!

WET NETS!

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

[Fisher Dave]

If you check into one of the recent topics (shore spots for flats or something like that) there are some shore locations posted in there that an be productive. I have caught many flatheads during the daylight hours, probably more per hours of fishing that I have at night. The key is to find some deeper holes and get some *on the water* research in.

St Paul area can be very good during the day.. Near the Lilydale access(Harriet island area) to be exact. There are several deep holes just upriver from the access.

[EBass]

Fisher Dave,

I tried that spot in Chaska. Kinda popular shore spot. So we went to the opposite side of the launch. Not deep and mud lined shore. I got skunked. We were using suckers about 6-8" long. I would imagine that's too small right??

We did go to Pool - 2 and did get some nice eyes on the bait.

I'm thinking of the Lillydale spot soon.

I am using 30lb test Power Pro line on a 7 1/2 foot med-heavy bait casting rod with big ol strong circle hooks. My rig is suitable right?

Still trying for dem flats. Are they about to spawn now, cause it's hard to find even a nice channel now a days.

[Mr Special]

EBass,
How wa the river level at Chaska? And how was the current? If you cross over the HWY41 bridge towards HWY169, look for a gravel road on you right. You can take that along the river and fish any where you can park. Or run up to the lake and fish I've caught some nice channels there too.

Good luck

[Fisher Dave]

The Chaska spot I have done better in the past on the opposite side of the boat launch, and on the other side of the 41 bridge. It can be a good producer. I have had my best luck at night after the crowd goes home. It can be a popular area to fish during the daytime.

The suckers you had will work.

Nobody said it's easy, but if you put in your time it will pay off, and eventually pay off more regularly.