Backwaters?

[Lunker]

While targeting other species(panfish) my buddies and I have run into a few channel catfish in the backwaters(zero current) in the WI river. We target channels here as well but stick to the main river. My question is, does anyone target cats in the backwaters or do the majority stick to the current of the main river?

[SteveD]

I target the backwaters especially right now when the cats are on their prespawn bite. The cats are chasing food and the backwaters warm up first and the minnows and forage base come alive there. I like to fish the cuts into the backwaters because that usually has some stacked timber and some current flow into the backwater. In my experience there is always some current flow (maybe not much but some) and my best success has been working that current seam through the backwater.

A good sign of a productive backwater is if there is a lot of fish activity throughout the area. I watch for a lot of fish splashing and jumping. That tells me the carp and other fish are finding food and the cats are probably there too.

This is a run and gun time of the year. Hit a spot for 15 - 20 minutes and if there are no takers then move on. Use a lot of fresh bait so you are generating a scent trail in the water. They are hunting for food and they usually find what they want by smell. Cut bait will lose its attractant scent over time - I'm a believer in using it up. I hate to end the day with a bowl of cut bait still unused.

[Lunker]

good info, thanks

[ec30_06]

The channels were feeding agressivley at the mouth of a backwater tonight. I fished in the deeper channel about 50yds from the main river.