Spring? That’s showtime. Right when the water starts warming up to around 60-70°F, catfish get the urge to eat like they’re training for a marathon. They’re coming off a winter of being lazy, and they’re hangry. This is your best bet for numbers—lots of medium-sized fish willing to hit anything that smells like chicken liver.
Summer? Ah, the classic. But you have to be smart about it. During the hot, blazing afternoons, catfish go deep. They sulk in holes and under ledges. You’ll need heavy weights and patience. But at night in the summer? The shallows come alive. It’s a buffet.
Fall is nature’s last hurrah. As the water cools back down to the 60s, those fish go on a feeding frenzy to pack on fat for winter. This is when the monster catfish come out to play. They don’t care about diets. They just want your bait.
The Best Time To Catch Catfish: Seasonal Guide – JSEFUE
How Weather Messes with Their Heads
Now, let’s talk about the sky. You know that sticky, low-pressure feeling right before a big thunderstorm? Catfish love it. They sense the change in barometric pressure and start feeding like they’ve got a coupon that expires in an hour. Rainy, overcast days are a catfisherman’s secret weapon. They can’t hide from the light if there’s no light.
High pressure and bluebird skies? That’s a catfish siesta. Good luck. They’re hiding, they’re grumpy, and they’d rather eat a rock than your lure. Unless you’re fishing really deep, it’s probably a nap day for you, too.
The Moon Is More Than Just Pretty
Gonna sound a little out there, but pay attention to the moon phase. Full moons and new moons create stronger tides (even in rivers and lakes, believe it or not), which stirs up food. Catfish know this. They feed harder on those nights. The days right before and after a full moon? Magic hours.
Don’t believe me? Try it. Go out on a full moon night without a flashlight and tell me the fish aren’t more active. It’s almost spooky. They can see you—or at least, they can sense your clumsy shadow on the bank.
What's The Best Time To Catch Catfish | Detroit Chinatown
