UTERChannel catfish fishing in Texas freshwater
In Texas freshwater, channel catfish peak April–July and October and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Stink bait and cut shad on the windblown points.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Channel catfish in Texas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningStink bait and cut shad on the windblown points.
- JulySpawning
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish channel catfish near Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork
The big East Texas bass lakes — Fork, Rayburn, Toledo Bend — Texoma's stripers, white bass runs up every river, Hill Country rivers with native Guadalupe bass, giant alligator gar, and winter trout.
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 Texas freshwater?
Peak season is April–July 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: Stink bait and cut shad on the windblown points.
Where do channel catfish hold in Texas freshwater?
Look on river, lake, reservoir, pond / pit, creek / stream, bridge — around Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Lake Texoma, Lake Conroe, Guadalupe River.
What is the best bait for channel catfish in Texas 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 Texas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and change — read the current rule at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses.
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All about channel catfish · Texas fresh water, the whole year