UTERChannel catfish fishing in Kansas freshwater
In Kansas freshwater, channel catfish peak May–August and October and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Milford and Tuttle Creek channels on the windblown banks.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Channel catfish in Kansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningMilford and Tuttle Creek channels on the windblown banks.
- JulySpawning
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish channel catfish near Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake
Wind-swept prairie reservoirs for walleye, white bass, wipers and crappie, the Neosho's paddlefish, and big channel and flathead cats in the rivers.
What to use for channel catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–92°F water, best at 70–84°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch channel catfish in Kansas freshwater?
Peak season is May–August and October, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Channel catfish are here year-round. June: Milford and Tuttle Creek channels on the windblown banks.
Where do channel catfish hold in Kansas freshwater?
Look on river, lake, reservoir, pond / pit, creek / stream, bridge — around Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Tuttle Creek, El Dorado Lake, Neosho River.
What is the best bait for channel catfish in Kansas freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for channel catfish in Kansas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and change — read the current rule at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/programs-services/law-enforcement/regulations-statutes/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/licenses-permits-fees.
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All about channel catfish · Kansas fresh water, the whole year