Top Catfish Fishing Locations in the US You Must Visit

Catfish are abundant in many lakes and rivers across the US, making them a popular target for both novice and experienced anglers. The three primary species sought after are channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Here, we’ll explore some of the top locations in the US where you can make a great catfish catch.

Ideal Fishing Locations

• Rivers: Rivers are prime habitats for catfish, providing a variety of features that attract them. Look for deep holes, bends, and areas with current breaks where catfish often congregate to rest and ambush prey. In large rivers, targeting tailwaters below dams, eddies, and river bends can be particularly productive as these areas tend to hold more food.
• Lakes and Reservoirs: In lakes and reservoirs, underwater structures such as fallen trees, rock piles, and ledges provide cover and attract catfish. Fishing near dams and inlets where water flow brings food can also yield good results. These structures offer catfish shelter and ample food, making them ideal spots to fish.
• Ponds: In smaller bodies of water like ponds, focus on areas with good cover, such as weed beds, lily pads, and submerged logs. These spots offer shelter and attract catfish. Fishing near these structures can be very productive, especially during early morning or late evening when catfish are more active.

Best Lakes for Catfish Fishing

• Santee-Cooper Lakes (Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie), South Carolina: Santee-Cooper Lakes, consisting of Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, are renowned for their large blue and flathead catfish populations. These lakes are connected by a diversion canal, creating an extensive habitat that supports a healthy catfish population. The lakes’ deep channels and submerged structures are prime spots for fishing. Anglers often find success using live bait such as shad and herring in these areas​

• Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma: Lake Texoma, located on the border between Texas and Oklahoma, is one of the most famous catfish fishing destinations in the US. It boasts an abundant blue catfish population, with some fish reaching trophy sizes. Drift fishing and jug fishing are particularly effective techniques here. The lake’s vast size and varied underwater terrain, including channels and flats, provide excellent opportunities for catching catfish​
• Lake Tawakoni, Texas: Known as the “Catfish Capital of Texas,” Lake Tawakoni is famous for its trophy-sized blue and channel catfish. This lake offers excellent year-round fishing, with peak seasons in the spring and fall. Anglers often use live shad and cut bait to attract these large catfish. The lake’s numerous coves, inlets, and submerged structures provide ideal habitats for catfish to thrive
• Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama: Wheeler Reservoir in Alabama is another top destination for catfish anglers. This lake is particularly famous for its large blue catfish. The best fishing spots are near submerged structures such as old river channels and underwater ledges. Live bait and cut bait are commonly used to target catfish in these areas. Anglers can expect to catch blue catfish weighing over 50 pounds, making Wheeler Reservoir a must-visit location​
• Lake Eufaula, Georgia/Alabama: Spanning the border between Georgia and Alabama, Lake Eufaula is known for its excellent catfish fishing. Both blue and channel catfish are abundant in this lake. The best fishing spots include underwater ledges and deep holes where catfish tend to congregate. Anglers using stink bait and cut bait often have great success here. The lake’s varied underwater terrain makes it an exciting destination for catfish anglers

Best Rivers for Catfish Fishing

• Mississippi River, Multiple States: The Mississippi River, one of the largest river systems in the world, is a prime location for catfish fishing. It supports all major catfish species, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Prime spots along the river include deep holes, river bends, and areas near structures such as fallen trees and submerged logs. The river’s vast size and diverse habitats make it an excellent destination for catfish anglers​
• James River, Virginia: The James River in Virginia is notable for its large blue catfish. This river is known for producing trophy-sized catfish, with some fish exceeding 100 pounds. Effective fishing methods include bottom fishing near drop-offs and structures such as sunken logs and rock piles. The river’s tidal sections and deep channels provide ideal habitats for blue catfish, making it a top destination for serious catfish anglers​

• Red River, North Dakota/Minnesota: The Red River, flowing through North Dakota and Minnesota, is renowned for its channel catfish. This river offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially in areas with submerged logs and debris where catfish like to hide. Anglers using stink baits and live bait such as minnows and nightcrawlers often have great success. The Red River’s consistent catfish population makes it a favorite spot for anglers seeking both quantity and quality catches
• Ohio River, Multiple States: Stretching over several states, the Ohio River offers excellent fishing for both channel and blue catfish. Prime fishing areas include deep pools, river bends, and slower currents where catfish are likely to congregate. Anglers often use cut bait, live bait, and stink bait to attract catfish. The river’s extensive length and diverse habitats provide ample opportunities for successful catfish fishing​
• Tennessee River, Tennessee: The Tennessee River is a well-known destination for catfish anglers, supporting abundant populations of blue and flathead catfish. The best fishing spots include river bends, deep holes, and areas with submerged structures such as rocks and fallen trees. Anglers using live bait and cut bait often have great success in these areas. The river’s size and varied underwater terrain make it a prime location for catfish fishing

Why These Locations are Ideal for Catfish Fishing

• Lake Structures and Environments: Lakes like Santee-Cooper and Lake Texoma have deep channels, submerged structures, and varied underwater terrains that create perfect habitats for catfish. These environments provide shelter and abundant food sources, making them prime locations for catfish to thrive.
• River Dynamics and Features: Rivers such as the Mississippi and James River offer ideal conditions for catfish with their deep holes, river bends, and structures like fallen trees and submerged logs. These features create slow-moving water where catfish prefer to reside, making these rivers excellent for catfish fishing.
• Consistent Populations and Trophy Sizes: Locations like Lake Tawakoni and the Red River are known for their consistent catfish populations and the potential for catching trophy-sized fish. These bodies of water support healthy catfish populations due to their optimal environmental conditions, making them reliable spots for successful fishing trips.

Catfish fishing in the US offers a wide variety of locations, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. From the expansive Santee-Cooper Lakes to the winding bends of the Mississippi River, there are countless opportunities to catch trophy-sized catfish. Whether you prefer fishing in lakes or rivers, using live bait or cut bait, the locations listed here provide some of the best catfish fishing experiences in the country. So pack your gear, head to one of these top spots, and enjoy the thrill of catfish fishing.