Channel catfish are one of the most popular species to target when fishing, and for good reason. They are abundant, aggressive, and eager to bite. If you’re hoping to reel in a channel catfish, knowing which baits and techniques work best can make a world of difference. Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your next fishing trip.
The Best Baits for Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are opportunistic feeders and will bite on a variety of baits. The best options mimic their natural food sources or offer a strong scent that attracts them from a distance.
- Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is one of the most popular catfish baits, known for its potent scent and tender texture. The strong odor of the liver spreads quickly in the water, making it irresistible to channel catfish. It’s easy to find, inexpensive, and works well when fished on a bottom rig. However, because it’s soft, chicken liver can fall off the hook easily, so make sure to use a bait holder hook or wrap the liver in cheesecloth to keep it intact. - Cut Bait (Shad or Herring)
Cut bait from smaller fish like shad, herring, or bluegill is another excellent choice. Channel catfish love feeding on smaller fish, and cut bait releases an oily scent that travels through the water, attracting catfish from far away. It’s especially effective in murky water where visibility is low. You can cut the bait into chunks and place it on a hook, or even use a treble hook to secure multiple pieces for a larger scent trail. - Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers are a simple and effective bait for catfish. They are readily available at most bait shops and provide a natural food source that channel catfish are known to enjoy. You can use them whole or cut them into smaller pieces depending on the size of the fish you’re targeting. Nightcrawlers are great for channel catfish, especially in lakes and rivers where worms are part of their natural diet. - Dip Baits and Prepared Baits
Dip baits and prepared dough baits are another popular option for catching channel catfish. These baits are often made with a base of cheese, dough, or other appealing ingredients that catfish love. The advantage of dip baits is that they can be used with a sponge hook or a bait holder, making them less likely to fall off during casting. Prepared baits like blood or cheese-based options are especially effective when fishing in warmer water. - Shrimp
Shrimp, whether fresh or frozen, is a fantastic bait option for channel catfish. Shrimp has a strong, pungent odor that draws catfish from a distance. They’re also versatile—easy to hook through the tail and hold up well even in currents. Additionally, catfish seem to prefer shrimp when they’re looking for something different from the typical bait, making shrimp an excellent “wild card” bait choice.
Best Techniques for Catching Channel Catfish
Now that we’ve covered the best baits, let’s look at the most effective fishing techniques for channel catfish.
- Bottom Fishing
Channel catfish are bottom feeders, so using a bottom rig is one of the most effective ways to catch them. A simple Carolina rig works great, where a weighted sinker keeps your bait on the bottom, and a leader line with a hook holds your bait in place. The key is to let the catfish find the bait through scent and feel. This technique works best in deeper waters or areas where catfish are known to forage. - Slip Sink Rig
If you’re fishing in areas with currents or deeper holes, a slip sinker rig is perfect. The slip sinker lets the catfish take the bait without feeling the weight immediately. This technique is helpful if you’re fishing from the bank or from a boat. The slip sinker allows the bait to settle naturally and is an excellent choice for using cut bait, chicken liver, or nightcrawlers. - Drift Fishing
Drift fishing involves slowly moving your boat along a body of water while dragging your bait behind you. This method is great for covering more ground, especially if you’re not sure where the catfish are hiding. You can use a drift sock or an anchor to control the boat’s speed, and the bait will be dragged slowly along the bottom, simulating the natural movement of food. This works best with cut bait or live bait. - Fishing Near Structures
Channel catfish love to hang out around structures like submerged rocks, logs, bridges, and deep holes. These areas offer cover, and the catfish can hide while waiting for food to come by. When fishing around structures, make sure to cast your bait near the structure and let it settle to the bottom. Be prepared to let the fish run with the bait before setting the hook. - Night Fishing
Channel catfish are more active during low-light hours, particularly at night. Fishing at night allows you to target the catfish when they’re most likely to be feeding. Use a light to attract insects and bait fish, which will in turn attract the catfish. Night fishing works especially well with strong-scented baits like chicken liver, cut bait, and prepared dough baits.
Final Thoughts
Catching channel catfish doesn’t require fancy equipment or complex setups, but understanding the best baits and techniques can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re using chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or shrimp, and whether you’re bottom fishing or drift fishing, channel catfish are more likely to bite when they’re presented with the right bait in the right conditions. Try experimenting with different techniques to see which one works best for your local waters. Happy fishing!