| There's quite a variety of good fishing going on out | | | | this traditional early-summer catfish action on the big |
| there now, but some of the best that will be occurring | | | | lakes. Every major lake has literally mile after mile of |
| on the big lakes will be in the rocky shallows, as | | | | rocky riprap fill where a highway crosses the lake. |
| channel catfish move in for the peak of their spring | | | | Those are always hot spots for this fishing, and of |
| spawning action. Spawning usually takes place in late | | | | course they can be accessed most effectively by a |
| May or early June when the water temperature | | | | boat, as anglers move along the riprap, working them |
| reaches 75 degrees. | | | | with a slip-cork rig and some type of good catfish bait. |
| Hollow logs, overhanging underwater ledges or holes | | | | My favorite has always been cut bait. |
| under mud banks are typical nesting places. Females | | | | But if you don't have a boat, you can still pick a spot |
| lay about 10,000 eggs each. Males guard the nest | | | | somewhere along the rocky banks and put out |
| against intruders, including females. Eggs hatch in 6 to | | | | several rods/reels with corks to cover a good amount |
| 10 days determined by temperature. After hatching, | | | | of water. Catfish can be caught anytime of day but |
| the catfish fry are attended for a short time by the | | | | they are most active at night. Be patient and you will |
| male as they feed in a dense school. | | | | catch your share of catfish. |
| And it's certainly not difficult to find a prime spot for | | | | |