How To Night Fish For Catfish: Secrets

Can you catch catfish at night? Yes, you absolutely can catch catfish at night, and often, the fishing is even better after the sun goes down! Night fishing for catfish is a thrilling pursuit, opening up a world of opportunities for anglers targeting these powerful bottom-dwellers. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to become a successful nocturnal catfish hunter.

Why Night Fishing for Catfish Works

As darkness falls, the underwater world transforms. Many catfish species, particularly channel, blue, and flathead catfish, become significantly more active. This increased activity is driven by several factors:

Reduced Predation: Younger and smaller catfish are more vulnerable to predators during daylight hours. At night, they can feed with less fear.
Warmer Water Temperatures: While catfish are generally tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, they often become more active in warmer water, which tends to persist longer after sunset.
Abundant Food Sources: Many of the insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish that catfish feed on are more active or accessible at night. This creates a feeding frenzy for opportunistic catfish.
Less Angler Pressure: Many recreational boaters and other anglers pack up as dusk settles. This leaves the fish in a more relaxed and receptive feeding state.

Decoding Catfish Behavior After Dark

Fathoming how catfish behave at night is key to your success. These fish are not just passively waiting for bait; they are actively hunting and patrolling their territories.

Catfish Activity Patterns at Night

Channel Catfish: Known for their widespread distribution and voracious appetites, channel catfish are active feeders throughout the night. They will move from deeper water to shallower areas to forage.
Blue Catfish: These giants of the catfish world are also prolific night feeders. They tend to roam large areas, searching for substantial meals. They can be found both in the main channels of rivers and in deeper sections of reservoirs.
Flathead Catfish: While flatheads can be caught during the day, they are ambush predators that often become more mobile and aggressive after dark. They prefer to lurk near structure and are more likely to chase down moving prey.

Sensory Advantages for Nocturnal Catfish

Catfish possess specialized senses that make them formidable hunters in low-light conditions:

Lateral Line: This sensory organ runs along the sides of a catfish and detects vibrations and pressure changes in the water. This allows them to locate prey even in complete darkness.
Barbels (Whiskers): Their distinctive barbels are covered in taste and touch receptors. They use these to “taste” their surroundings and find food hidden in the mud or current.
Excellent Sense of Smell: Catfish have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to detect the scent trails of prey from a considerable distance. This is why potent catfish bait at night is so effective.

Essential Gear for Night Fishing Success

To maximize your chances of success, you need to equip yourself with the right gear.

Lighting Solutions

Good lighting is non-negotiable for night fishing.

Headlamps: A good quality headlamp with a red light option is invaluable. Red light is less disruptive to your night vision and can help keep fish calm.
Lanterns: A portable lantern can illuminate your fishing area, helping with rigging, baiting, and landing fish.
Boat Lights: If fishing from a boat, ensure you have proper navigation lights and consider a small spotlight for targeting specific areas.

Rods, Reels, and Line

Rods: Medium to medium-heavy action rods, typically 6.5 to 8 feet long, are ideal for handling the power of catfish. A bit of backbone is necessary for setting hooks and controlling larger fish.
Reels: Spinning or baitcasting reels with a good drag system are recommended. A reel with a larger line capacity is beneficial for those long runs from big catfish.
Line: 15-pound to 30-pound test monofilament or braided line is a good starting point. Braided line offers superior sensitivity and strength, which can be helpful for detecting subtle bites in the dark. Many anglers prefer monofilament for its stretch, which can help prevent pulled hooks.

Essential Tackle

Hooks: Circle hooks are highly recommended for catfish. They tend to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing gut hooking and increasing survival rates for released fish. Sizes 2/0 to 8/0 are common, depending on the size of the catfish you are targeting.
Weights (Sinkers): Flat or pyramid sinkers are preferred as they tend to dig into the bottom and hold your bait in place, especially in current. The weight needed will depend on the water depth and current speed, typically ranging from 1 ounce to 8 ounces.
Swivels: Heavy-duty swivels are essential to prevent line twist, especially when fishing with cut bait.

Proven Catfish Rigs for Night Fishing

The right rig keeps your bait in the strike zone and presents it naturally.

The Santee Rig

This rig is excellent for presenting live or cut bait. It’s a slip-sinker rig where the weight is above a bead and swivel, followed by a leader and hook. This allows the catfish to take the bait without feeling the immediate resistance of the weight.

Components: Main line, slip sinker (1-6 oz), bead, barrel swivel, leader line (6-12 inches), hook.
Best Use: Effective in moderate current and for both shallow water catfish night fishing and deeper presentations.

The Carolina Rig

Similar to the Santee rig, the Carolina rig features a sliding weight. It’s a classic and reliable choice for catfish.

Components: Main line, bullet or egg sinker (1-6 oz), bead, swivel, leader line (6-12 inches), hook.
Best Use: Versatile for various bottom conditions and currents.

The Three-Way Rig

This rig is particularly useful when you want to fish two baits or lures at different depths, or when you want to keep your bait slightly off the bottom.

Components: Main line, three-way swivel, dropper line with weight, leader line with hook.
Best Use: Good for keeping bait off a muddy bottom or presenting a lure and bait simultaneously.

Top Catfish Bait at Night

The scent and flavor of your bait are paramount when fishing in the dark. Catfish rely heavily on these senses.

The Power of Stinky Baits

Cut Bait: Pieces of shad, skipjack, or other oily fish are incredibly effective. The scent released by decaying flesh is a powerful attractant. Cut bait is one of the best catfish bait at night options.
Chicken Livers: A classic for a reason, chicken livers release a strong scent that catfish can’t resist. Many anglers soak them in garlic or other attractants to boost their appeal.
Commercial Catfish Dough Baits: Many brands offer potent dough baits designed specifically for catfish, often with strong garlic or cheese scents.
Worms: Nightcrawlers can still be effective, especially for smaller channel catfish, but they often get outcompeted by the scent of cut bait for larger fish.
Live Bait: While harder to manage at night, live shad or bluegill can be deadly, particularly for flathead catfish.

Enhancing Your Bait

Attractant Dips and Sprays: Many anglers use garlic-based dips, shad oils, or other commercial attractants to add an extra layer of scent to their bait.
Garlic Powder/Oil: A simple yet effective way to add aroma to your bait.
Scent Balls: These are small, porous balls infused with potent attractants that you can place near your bait.

Night Fishing Techniques for Catfish

Executing the right techniques will put more fish in your boat or on the bank.

Stealth and Presentation

Quiet Approach: When fishing from a boat, approach your spot slowly and quietly. Avoid unnecessary noise that can spook fish.
Bank Fishing: If fishing from the bank, try to cast your bait as quietly as possible. Avoid stomping around and making sudden movements.

Locating Your Quarry

Structure is Key: Catfish love to hang out near structure, especially at night. Look for:
- Submerged trees and logs: These provide cover and attract baitfish.
- Rock piles: Offer hiding places and ambush points.
- Channel breaks and drop-offs: Catfish move between shallower feeding areas and deeper holding water.
- Bridges and docks: These often create current breaks and provide overhead cover.
Current: Catfish will often position themselves in or near current, waiting for food to be swept past them. Areas where current funnels around structure are prime spots.
Water Temperature: Warmer water generally means more active fish. Aim for water temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit.

Shallow Water Catfish Night Fishing vs. Deep Water Catfish Night Fishing

The best location often depends on the specific catfish species and the conditions.

Shallow Water Catfish Night Fishing

When to Target: Excellent during warmer months when shallow flats and shorelines warm up quickly.
Where to Look:
- Shorelines with gradual slopes.
- Areas adjacent to deeper water.
- Creeks and small tributaries feeding into larger bodies of water.
- Around docks and laydowns in shallower areas.
Techniques:
- Use lighter weights to keep your bait closer to the bottom in shallower water.
- Present bait in 2-6 feet of water.
- Cast parallel to the shoreline or towards visible structure.

Deep Water Catfish Night Fishing

When to Target: Particularly effective during hotter summer months when surface temperatures can deter fish, or in cooler spring and fall periods.
Where to Look:
- Main river channels.
- Deep holes in reservoirs.
- Areas around submerged humps and ledges.
- The deepest part of a lake or river.
Techniques:
- Use heavier weights (4-8 oz) to reach the bottom and maintain your position in the current.
- Fish depths from 20 feet to 60 feet or even deeper for blue and flathead catfish.
- Employ drift fishing techniques in rivers or use a boat to anchor or chum in reservoirs.

Detecting Bites in the Dark

Detecting bites can be tricky when you can’t see your line as clearly.

Feel the Bite: This is where a sensitive rod and your own tactile senses come into play. Pay attention to any subtle taps, tugs, or changes in line tension.
Rod Holders: Using rod holders, especially when fishing from a boat, is essential. They keep your rod stable and make it easier to spot a bite when the rod tip twitches.
Bell or Clicker: Some anglers attach a small bell or a line-clicker to their rod tip. This provides an audible indicator of a bite.
E-Bait/Glow Sticks: You can attach a small glow stick or an “E-Bait” (a small, battery-powered vibrating lure) to your line near the hook. The vibration or glow can alert you to a strike.

Targeting Specific Catfish Species at Night

While many techniques overlap, knowing the nuances for each species can improve your catch.

How to Catch Channel Catfish at Night

Preferred Baits: Chicken livers, dough baits, cut shad, nightcrawlers.
Preferred Rigs: Santee rig, Carolina rig.
Locations: Found in a variety of environments, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and ponds. They often move from deeper water to shallower flats to feed at night. Target points, coves, and areas with moderate current.
Techniques: Cast bait relatively close to shore or structure. Be prepared for multiple bites as channel catfish are often school feeders.

How to Catch Flathead Catfish at Night

Preferred Baits: Live bait is king! Large live bluegill, shad, or crawfish are the most effective. Cut bait can work, but live bait significantly increases your odds.
Preferred Rigs: Carolina rig with a heavier weight to anchor live bait near structure, or a Three-way rig to keep live bait slightly elevated.
Locations: Prefer heavy structure such as fallen trees, submerged logs, bridge pilings, and deep holes. They are ambush predators, so precise bait placement is crucial.
Techniques:
- Cast live bait with minimal weight directly to or beside a piece of heavy cover.
- Allow the bait to swim naturally.
- Be patient; flatheads are less numerous but can be much larger than channel catfish. Set the hook firmly when you feel a deliberate, heavy bite.

Night Fishing for Blue Catfish

Preferred Baits: Large chunks of cut skipjack or shad are preferred. Blue catfish are scavengers and filter feeders, so a strong, oily scent is vital. Whole large shad can also be very effective.
Preferred Rigs: Santee rig or Carolina rig, often with a heavier weight to hold in strong currents.
Locations: Primarily found in large rivers and reservoirs with deep channels, large open water areas, and strong currents. Look for deep holes, drop-offs, and confluence points of rivers.
Techniques:
- Drift fishing is a popular method in rivers, allowing your bait to be presented naturally in the current.
- In reservoirs, anchor up near known blue catfish holding areas or use a drift sock to control your boat’s movement.
- Chumming can be very effective for drawing blue catfish into an area. Use crushed fish or commercial chum to create a scent trail.
- Be prepared for a serious fight; blue catfish are known for their size and power.

Best Catfish Lures for Night Fishing

While bait fishing is generally more productive at night, certain lures can also entice catfish.

Lures That Mimic Prey

Soft Plastic Paddle Tails: Large paddle tail swimbaits in natural colors (shad, white) or bright colors (chartreuse) can mimic fleeing baitfish.
Jerkbaits/Swimbaits: Larger, slow-moving jerkbaits or swimbaits can attract attention with their wobble and profile.
Spinnerbaits: The vibration and flash of a spinnerbait can attract catfish, especially in murky water. Use larger sizes with a single, larger blade.
Jigs: Bucktail jigs or leadhead jigs with large soft plastic trailers can be effective when bounced along the bottom.

Considerations for Lure Fishing

Speed: Catfish are often not chasing fast-moving prey at night. Slow to moderate retrieve speeds are generally more effective.
Vibration and Sound: Look for lures that create significant vibration or subtle rattling sounds, as these can be detected by the catfish’s lateral line.
Color: While color can play a role, scent and vibration are often more critical for catfish. Natural baitfish colors or bright, attention-grabbing colors can both work.
The “Best Catfish Lures for Night Fishing” often depends on the specific conditions and species you’re targeting. Experimentation is key.

Safety First: Night Fishing Precautions

Night fishing is inherently more dangerous than daytime fishing. Always prioritize safety.

Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Life Jackets: Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, especially at night.
First-Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Navigation: If on the water, be aware of your surroundings, shallow areas, and other boat traffic. Have a GPS or familiar knowledge of the waterway.
Charge Your Phone: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged.
Bug Spray: Mosquitoes and other insects can be relentless at night.
Buddy System: If possible, fish with a partner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best time of night to catch catfish?
The best time to catch catfish at night is often during the first few hours after sunset and again in the early morning hours before sunrise. However, active feeding can occur throughout the entire night, especially during warmer periods.

Q2: Can I use the same bait for channel and blue catfish at night?
While both species can be caught on similar baits, blue catfish generally prefer larger, scent-driven baits like cut skipjack or shad, whereas channel catfish are more opportunistic and readily take chicken livers or dough baits.

Q3: Do catfish bite better when it’s dark?
Yes, many catfish species, including channel, blue, and flathead catfish, are more actively feeding at night than during the day due to reduced predation and optimal foraging conditions.

Q4: Is shallow water catfish night fishing as productive as deep water?
It depends on the species and season. Channel catfish are often found in shallower areas to feed at night, while larger blue and flathead catfish may prefer deeper structure or channels, especially in warmer weather.

Q5: What are some good catfish rigs for night fishing?
Effective catfish rigs for night fishing include the Santee Rig, Carolina Rig, and Three-Way Rig. These rigs help present bait well and manage weight in various conditions.

Q6: What are the best catfish lures for night fishing?
While bait is often superior, lures like large soft plastic paddle tails, spinnerbaits, and jigs with scent additives can be effective. Focus on lures that create vibration and mimic prey.

Q7: How do I know when a catfish is biting in the dark?
Feel for subtle tugs on your line or watch your rod tip for twitches. Using rod holders, bells, or glow sticks can also help indicate a bite.

Q8: Do I need special equipment for night fishing?
Good lighting (headlamp, lantern) is essential. While not strictly necessary, a good set of rod holders and a reliable reel with a smooth drag system will greatly improve your experience and success.

Conclusion

Night fishing for catfish is a rewarding experience that opens up a new dimension of angling. By employing the right techniques, using potent catfish bait at night, selecting appropriate catfish rigs for night fishing, and respecting the behavior of these nocturnal predators, you can significantly increase your success. Whether you’re targeting channel catfish in the shallows or wrestling with a behemoth blue catfish in the deep, the thrill of a nighttime tug on your line is unmatched. So, gather your gear, embrace the darkness, and discover the secrets to catching more catfish after sunset.