Southwest Outdoorsman

Its Prime Flathead Time

Fri, June 03, 2011

Reports are coming in all around the area from the Mississippi river to Carlyle Lake that the Catfish bite is hot and the spawn is just around the corner. Fish are finally moving up shallow to take advantage of the spawning bluegills and shad. With all of the wet weather we have had this spring it is nice to see the water levels and temperatures finally level out. With 90 degree weather forecasted for the next few days the bite should only get better. These next couple weeks are always my best cat fishing days of the year. From mid May to mid June is your best shot at a big fish. Using big baits and throwing into cover will also increase your chances of landing a big cat.  As far as bait goes, don’t be afraid to go big. When using gills I prefer them in the 6-8 inch range and bullheads in the 8-12 inch range.

After getting off work On Thursday evening me and my buddy Phil decided to Dust off the trot line and put it in the water for the first time this year. We used whole bluegill and after a few hours in the water we were rewarded with this nice flathead and a couple decent channel cats.

This weekend I will be going after some more big flatheads with the rod and reel and maybe some hogging if the time is right. My brother is coming down to visit so im going to try and put him on a good catfish.

-Water levels are finally dropping on the Kaskaskia River below Carlyle Lake. The white bass bite has slowed down quite a bit since last week when all gates were open full bore.

Comments