Where to find catfish in a pond

Each pond supports a limited number of catfish per acre, so channel catfish commonly becomes overpopulated without bass. Stocking only channel catfish and largemouth bass is a great option for managing ponds smaller than one-half acre where bass-bluegill management can be difficult.

This also is an option for larger ponds when a pond manager primarily wants a channel catfish fishery. Initial channel catfish stocking rate usually is fingerlings per surface acre i. Channel catfish grow fine without feeding in most ponds when stocked at or fewer per acre. Stocking more than channel catfish per acre in unfed or inconsistently fed ponds typically results in somewhat stunted catfish.

Channel catfish stocking rate can range from to 1, fish per acre in sport fishing ponds that are consistently fed an appropriate floating pelleted catfish feed. However, feeding fish, especially at higher catfish stocking rates dramatically increases the risk of a low-dissolved oxygen fish kill.

Largemouth bass fingerlings should be stocked at approximately 40 per surface acre into such ponds. Largemouth bass tend to remain relatively small e. When stocked at the same time, channel catfish fingerlings should be larger than bass fingerlings. When fishing from the bank of a man-made pond, use a long fishing rod.

A rod 7 feet or longer will provide better casting ability, more tip sensitivity when catfish strike and better hook-setting and fighting control. During the heat of the day, catfish often retreat to deeper water. Try fishing in deep holes and around the base of any dams or water spillways. The mouths of any feeder creeks or other inlets to the pond can also yield catfish.

Catfish frequently move into the shallows to feed at night when temperatures are cooler. Concentrate your fishing in these more shallow areas, where catfish look for worms, crawfish and other prey. If any structure was added to the pond when it was constructed, catfish will often congregate there.

If you know of any sunken logs, trees, rock piles or other structure placed in the pond when being built, target those areas first. Once you have located a likely area where catfish may be in the pond, try still fishing that area. Use a rig with an egg sinker on your main fishing line. Then, add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.

Refrigerate the pot overnight. Rinse the fish under cool water in the morning before cooking it. The scented bait specifically advertised as catfish bait works well. Other artificial baits like swim baits or crank baits won't work as well because catfish are bottom feeders and don't hunt like bass do. Not Helpful 8 Helpful If you plan on taking them home, a treble hook works too, but you will have to set the hook with those.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5. Not Helpful 7 Helpful They will take bait at any time of day, but the best time to go is in the summer during the night, early morning, late dusk, or during any time of day when the sun is covered by clouds.

Not Helpful 5 Helpful Mr fisherman. Chicken liver works very well for catching catfish. As a rule of thumb, the smellier the bait, the better. Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5. It may be because you handled it incorrectly, kept it out of the water too long, hooked it in its guts, etc.

Catfish tend to be extremely hardy fish, and quite difficult to kill, so if a catfish dies after you release it, you're definitely doing something wrong. Not Helpful 12 Helpful The best weather is cloudy and not too humid. If it is humid, they may not be as hungry and you will get tired of it really fast. They don't like when it's raining. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4.

Yes, just find an area where flowing water meets still water and has cover like rocks or driftwood. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6. The best time of day to catch catfish is early morning or late evening. You could also try at night or on a cloudy day. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Catfish in ponds are usually smaller than others, but sometimes they can be huge. Expect anything. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.

Related wikiHows How to. How to. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: September 15, Categories: Catching Different Species of Fish.

Article Summary X To catch a pond catfish, use a smelly bait and cast your line in the deepest part of the pond. Italiano: Pescare un Pesce Gatto in uno Stagno. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Been hit and miss for couple years but no big decent cats!

Went out last night few hours went by couple little ones then BOOM! More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

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