Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: MatthewHunter98 on March 15, 2014, 11:00:39 PM

Title: Cat Fishing
Post by: MatthewHunter98 on March 15, 2014, 11:00:39 PM: Hey everyone, i have been thinking about when the fresh water lakes open back up, I have been thinking about cat fishing. I've done a little research on lakes on where to expect them, I'm thinking about hitting Lake Cambell in Skagit county. targeting catfish will be new to me, I'm real excited for it, have any of you fellas fished for cats at lake cambell, how have you all done, or any lake in general, what lakes have you if your willing to share!
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: elkaddict652 on March 20, 2014, 12:24:05 PM: Also interested in catfish locations in this state.
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Carp Commander on March 20, 2014, 01:26:20 PM: First let me suggested that you all join us at another thread,

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,143435.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,143435.0.html)

There is a lot more activity and information on this one. No need to recreate the wheel.

I have never fished the west side for catfish but catfishing on the east side is something I do a lot of. There are tons of great reservoirs and rivers that hold good numbers of channel cats and some blues. The Tri-Cities area has great fishing in the Columbia River, Snake River, Walla Walla River and Yakima River. I have caught plenty of cats in each of these bodies of water.

To the north of us there is good catfishing at the Potholes, some of seep lakes and Scootney Reservoir.

Further east you will find more of the Snake River and the Palouse River, one of my favorite places to fish for big catfish.

Everyone of these locations, except the Palouse River, has endless bank fishing opportunities.

Tackle is pretty easy, as any medium or medium heavy rod/reel combo will work. Don't need an ultra sensitive rod as the bite is pretty obvious.

Bait is a matter of controversy, usually involving 100 of opinions. You will hear a lot of people say to use rancid old cut bait. Yes this will work but I have always been a big believer in fresh and will often catch my bait the same day and wont chop it until its need to go on a hook.

Seems to work well for me. This is one of our Palouse River trips my son and I made last year.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: sirfunkeybut on March 20, 2014, 08:43:49 PM: :yeah:

I think your username shouldve be "cat commander" :chuckle:
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Prohunter270 on March 21, 2014, 10:27:28 AM: Carp- would you be interested in showing me the ropes. I will take you out salmon fishing in my boat for springers if you want!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Carp Commander on March 23, 2014, 09:26:45 AM: Yeah I wouldn't be opposed to that! I will start fishing for cats in a few weeks but it is all about the water this time of year.

I will keep you posted!
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Jester052 on March 26, 2014, 06:34:45 PM: You gotta noodle em
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Lucky1 on March 26, 2014, 07:47:17 PM: Imagine nabbing this catfish on a day out fishing–this definitely isn’t your average catch of the day. Share with anyone who loves hunting, fishing, and out-of-this-world sized fish!

Read more at http://clashdaily.com/2014/03/holy-catfish-batman-imagine-fishing-suddenly-hook-beast/#YDUly69ISkyl8Tbd.99 (http://clashdaily.com/2014/03/holy-catfish-batman-imagine-fishing-suddenly-hook-beast/#YDUly69ISkyl8Tbd.99)
Title: Re: Cat Fishing
Post by: Carp Commander on March 26, 2014, 07:49:54 PM: Quote from: Jester052 on March 26, 2014, 06:34:45 PM
You gotta noodle em

I really wish I could. I grew up hand fishing. I miss being able to run trot lines and chasing jugs. Nothing like catching big cat fish.