If you want channel catfish to spawn, here's a tip from a longtime catfish farmer, shared with me decades ago. That riprapped area is excellent spawning habitat for all three species. Creeks and small streams above the lake warm first because they are shallow and fed by the first warming rains. Not surprisingly spawning begins at different times in different latitudes, progressing from south to north. When the water temps hit the upper 60’s and the crappie have left the shallows, start looking for channel catfish to move up into and around these areas. | Blue catfish spawning will tend to be in June, maybe the last part of June in Nebraska waters while spawning activity for channel catfish will typically be in late June into July and certainly well into July for flathead spawning. Unless you understand why this occurs, you're likely to return from a late spring/early summer fishing trip frustrated and perplexed. Catfish nest in holes eroded beneath these structures, and if a hole can be pinpointed with sonar, the angler can drop a bait right in front of the fish. Because tributary mouths are staging areas for ready-to-spawn catfish, they're among the top hotspots this time of year. Enjoy canned venison warmed or use it in stews, chili, and other hot dishes. With channel cats, for example, spawning may begin in March or April in South Carolina and Texas, May in Kansas and Iowa, and mid-June to July in South Dakota and Wyoming. This type of structure is found on big-river navigation systems maintained by government agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Typically towards the end of May and all of June, the catfish will spawn. Walleye. The swollen head on this big channel cat indicates it is a male ready to guard a nest full of eggs. What months do catfish spawn? The male catfish will then only have to guard one opening from potential predators, such as bluegill and small bass that like to eat catfish eggs or fry as they move … The bluegill spawn typically begins in April and can continue all the way into summer and late fall. The actual spawning takes place when the water temperature is a stable 70 to 74 degrees. Light tackle will catch more smaller fish, but may not handle one of record class size. Catfish spawning begins at different times in different latitudes, progressing from south to north. Night fishing is better largely because summer catfish move from deeper water to shallows to feed at night, making them easier to find and catch. And because fish in a system don't all spawn at the same time, a section of river or lake may contain pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn catfish. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Watch video: Blue Catfish & Stacey King on the Mississippi River. Across the country, catfish are emerging from their spawning dens as we head into the heart of summer. May was bluegill time; scores of these fat panfish could be taken from a single bed when using crickets for bait. After the female lays her mound of sticky yellow eggs, the male fertilizes the mass, drives the female from the nest and begins guard duty. Bluegill spawn in the late spring when water temperatures reach 68-75 degrees. When bluegill spawn is dictated by water temperatures, light penetration, moon phases, and other varying conditions. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. In the spring, when the water begins to warm up, it is due to the earth being closer to the sun, but also to the sun being out longer each day to provide more warming hours. It is commonly found in large rivers and will eat just about anything that comes in front of its nose. 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