Catfish are a great fish to catch in the winter. They’ll bite just about any time of year, but especially when the water is colder. Because catfish are so-called “cold-blooded” animals, they'll seek out colder waters during winter months as an effort to conserve energy and avoid having to expend more calories just to stay warm. The result? Catfish are often easier to catch in winter than at any other time of year! So if you’re looking for some tips on how to catch catfish in the cold, read on...
When is the best time to catch catfish in winter?
There are a couple of different times during the winter season when catfish can be caught. Catfish in general are cold-blooded animals that like to move to warmer waters during winter months as a way to save energy. This means that in some parts of the year, you’ll find catfish in warmer water, and other times you’ll find them in colder water. Early winter, towards the end of fall and early winter, is the time when catfish will start moving into warmer waters. This is because they are anticipating the cold weather that’s coming and they want to be ready for it. Mid-winter is when catfish are in waters that are slightly warmer than they would normally be. This is because catfish are slowing down and taking it easy at this point in the year. Late winter is when catfish start moving into the warmer waters again, as the water temperatures start to rise. This is because catfish have finished slowing down and are ready to start getting more active again.
Equipment you’ll need to catch catfish in winter
The best way to catch catfish in the winter is to use the right type of equipment. The best equipment for fishing in the winter is a big, heavy tackle with lots of lines and a large, heavy fishing reel. This is different from the light tackle used in the summer when you want to fish in the warm waters. In the winter, you want to use a line that is bigger, heavier, and has a higher break strength. You want to use a line that will hold up in the cold weather and against strong winds that may happen in the winter. The same goes for the type of reel you use. A lighter reel is not going to hold up in the cold weather and could freeze up or break. A heavier reel will last longer and be able to handle the winter weather.
How to find catfish during winter
When catfish are in warmer water, they’ll be easier to find. There are a few things you can do to find catfish during the winter months. Find the warmer water - Catfish move to warm water in the winter, so you need to find those warmer waters. This means finding areas where the water is 75°F or warmer. Look for areas with slow-moving water - Catfish like to hang out in areas with slow-moving water because it makes them feel less vulnerable to predators. Check out edges of rivers and streams - Catfish like to hang out on the edges of rivers and streams because they are warmer and they don’t have to swim as far as they would in a deeper part of the water.
Tips for catching catfish in winter
Use warm catfish baits - If you are catching catfish that are in warm water and you use cold baits, you might have a hard time getting them to bite. Make sure to use warm baits when fishing in the winter. - Use larger hook sizes - A catfish’s mouth is thicker in the winter and you may have a hard time getting a smaller hook in there. Make sure to use larger hook sizes so that you can get your hook into their mouth. - Go for a bigger fishing reel - Again, in the winter you want to use a reel that can stand up to the cold temperatures. You don’t want it to freeze or break just as the catfish are taking your bait. - Use a heavy line - A heavy line is best for the winter and can stand up to the cold temperatures. You don’t want a light line because it will freeze.
Wrap-up
Catfish are an excellent fish to catch in the winter months. During the winter, these fish will often be in areas that are warmer than the rest of the year. Most catfish are bottom feeders, meaning they will be found on the river's or stream's bottom where the water is warmer. This makes them easier to find during the winter. There are a couple of different times during the winter season that catfish will be in warmer water. Early winter, towards the end of fall and early winter, is the time when catfish will start moving into warmer waters. Mid-winter is when catfish are in slightly warmer waters as they are slowing down and taking it easy. Late winter is when catfish start moving into warm waters again, as the water temperatures start to rise.