Spring catfish below lock & dam #3...

[Perch Jerker]

I was there on Saturday (after the front moved through and shut down the bite) for walleye and sauger and our group snagged 2 fish. Buuuut.....

How would the channel catfishing be there this time of year? Where should I look for them?

Normally I start catfishing when the first mosquito of spring attempts to quench it's thirst with my blood, but I'm all for starting earlier if they'll bite.

PJ

[Dennis Steele]

Hey PJ

I have been hearing some good reports of cats being caught near the dams for the past three weeks now.It can only get better from here on out.Look for areas with reduced current in front of the first couple wing dams down from the dams or the first major inside bend with deeper water in front of it.Outside bends will also be good if there are areas where dead bait can collect.If you are seeing debris collect in the slack water the cats shouldn't be far.They may still be schooled up tight so watch your electronics closely.
I haven't had the opportunity to get out on the flowing water yet,but I am now done with the hard water thing and will be concentrating all my time on the rivers now.
Here kitty,kitty.

------------------
Minnesota River Guided Fishing
www.mnriverguidedfishing.com
[email protected]
NPAA #863

[Perch Jerker]

Thanks Dennis.
I take it the same bait (fresh cut sucker chunk) is the way to go?

PJ

[fish4ed]

I saw a boat with 3 guys fishing a "scour hole" just past the downstream tip of one of the first wingies a couple of weeks back. They appeared to be using cut bait, and were just slaying cats. Often, 2 of the 3 were hooked up at the same time, and they spent a lot of time fighting fish- looked like a series of wrestling matches. I assumed they were catching flatheads, the fish they were releasing was sizeable.

[Perch Jerker]

Which side of the island below #3?
East channel or west would be better?

Thanks,
PJ

[fish4ed]

dam side.............