Catching channel catfish during spring runoff in western rivers and lakes is a thrill that combines skill, patience, and a bit of grit. As rivers swell with muddy water and lakes churn with sediment, channel cats go on a feeding frenzy, making it prime time for anglers to hook into some hefty fish. This article dives deep into the strategies, baits, and locations that make spring catfishing in the West a rewarding adventure for anyone willing to brave the high waters.
The Spring Runoff Advantage
In spring, as snowmelt and rain turn rivers like the Milk, Yellowstone, and North Platte into chocolate-colored torrents, channel catfish get active. Warmer water temperatures trigger a pre-spawn feeding binge, and these fish can move miles in a single day, hunting for calories to fuel their spawning season. The high, turbid water creates unique challenges but also opportunities for anglers who know where to look and how to present their baits.
Stay on the Move
The key to success is mobility. Whether fishing from a boat or the bank, anglers need to keep moving to find active fish. On rivers, this means targeting calm pockets of water just downstream from riffles or runs, where catfish hunker down to escape the heavy current. Veteran angler Tyler George calls this “hole-hopping.” He suggests fishing each spot for no more than 10 minutes before moving on to the next. This approach works especially well in states where high water allows boats to access hard-to-reach areas, like the lower Yellowstone River from Billings, Montana, to the North Dakota border.
Choosing the Right Bait
Bait choice is critical during runoff. While many assume the smelliest baits are best in murky water, experienced catfishers know channel cats can be picky. Fresh, natural baits often outperform stink baits. Live leopard frogs are a favorite on Montana’s plains rivers, either lip-hooked to let their movement attract fish or with their back legs removed to create a blood trail. Other top choices include fresh cutbait from suckers or goldeye, frozen shrimp, anchovies, or salted minnows. The key is freshness—frozen baits work, but they should be recently frozen to retain blood that draws catfish in.
Rigging and Presentation
Presentation matters just as much as bait. Drifting baits under a bobber is a great way to cover water and keep hooks out of bottom snags. The bobber also helps detect the subtle taps of a catfish “tasting” the bait with its tail or body, a common behavior in low-visibility water. A typical setup involves a bobber stop, slip bobber, and egg sinker, followed by a micro swivel and a 2- to 3-foot leader. Alternatively, some anglers, like George, prefer anchoring baits in a hole with a bottom weight and a three-way swivel to keep the bait slightly off the riverbed, making it easier for fish to find.
Master the Currents
Understanding river currents is essential. Catfish love to stack up in slack-water holes near structure—think submerged timber, root wads, or even old cars used as riprap. These spots are gold mines, but they’re also where tackle goes to die. Anglers should expect to lose rigs to snags and be ready to re-tie often. When a catfish is hooked, it’ll dive for cover, so strong line—8-pound test or heavier—and a sturdy rod are must-haves to muscle fish out of heavy structure.
Adapting to Lower Water
As runoff subsides in late spring and early summer, the game changes. Rivers drop, water clears, and catfish settle into defined holding spots. This is when the bite can get red-hot, not just for trophy-sized fish but for sheer numbers. Anglers can switch up tactics, using spinnerbaits, rattling crankbaits, or bait-tipped jigs to entice strikes. Some even report success with big topwater lures, especially at twilight when cats move into shallower feeding zones.
Oily baits like cut mackerel, bonito, or whole anchovies shine during this period, drawing fish from hundreds of yards away. Shrimp can be a secret weapon when other baits fail. Delivery depends on the situation—anchor baits in deep holes, drift them through feeding lanes, or bounce them lightly to avoid snags. Finding the right spots is key. Look for surface current changes that signal deeper holes, often just below riffles or on inside river bends. Structures like wing dikes or riprap banks are also prime holding areas.
In farm-country rivers like the Milk, Yampa, or South Platte, irrigation demands start pulling water by late May, concentrating catfish even further. These low flows make it easier to pinpoint feeding spots, but they also increase boat traffic on recreational waters, so nighttime or early evening fishing often yields the best results.
Top Catfish Destinations
For those looking to hit the water, the West offers plenty of prime catfish destinations. The Milk River in northeast Montana, with its endless bends and shoreline structure, is a bank angler’s paradise, though recent water-delivery issues have made flows unpredictable. Wyoming’s Bighorn River above Yellowtail Reservoir is another great spot for catching 2- to 4-pounders before irrigation season kicks in. For big fish, the lower Columbia River near Portland can produce 20-pounders, while Colorado’s Aurora Reservoir holds the state record with a massive 40-plus-pound channel cat.
Boat anglers will find the lower Yellowstone around Glendive, Montana, a hotspot, with 200 miles of fishable water loaded with shoreline structure. California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers are packed with eating-size cats, though you’ll need to sort through blue cats and bullheads. For urban anglers, Denver’s South Platte River, especially north of 88th Avenue in Thornton, offers solid after-work fishing. Phoenix’s urban ponds, like Riverview Lake Park in Mesa or Lake Pleasant, are perfect for nighttime action thanks to the city’s strong fishing program.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you fish, spring runoff is a golden window for channel catfish. The combination of high water, active fish, and the right tactics can lead to unforgettable days on the water. Whether drifting baits past submerged logs or anchoring in a deep hole, the key is to stay mobile, use fresh baits, and embrace the challenge of fishing in wild conditions. With a little know-how and a lot of persistence, anyone can land a broad-shouldered cat that makes the effort worthwhile.
