we are planin on takin one last boat trip befor it gets too cold, so i was gona try to find out what water temp cats are most actively feeding in (channels & flatheads)
I dont think temps have much to do with it because catfish need to eat when the air/water temp gets cold. There is a good thread in the BOC library and you can find tons of information on fishing for cats in the winter time on the internet.:0a26:
I've never heard of a 'fishing season' (not trying to sound like a smart butt either)...even as a kid, that was a year 'round thing. (but I grew up fishing for bream and crappie) I'm better now:roll_eyes:...but I have heard that fall and winter are the best times to do some hot and heavy catfishing, something about when the water temp is cooler, there is more oxygen in the water, and I think that affects they're feeding. I'm sure you can look it up in the BOC library...this will be pretty much a first for me...this winter, gotta get me some insulated hip boots...I not liking the idea of being wet, in a boat, at say, 27 and a half degrees!oooh:
I don't know if I'm right or wrong, but I hope I helped somehow...good luck.
I see people fishing in the dead of winter. I don't think it gets really really cold till Jan/Feb and thats only for a short time, so maybe I'll take those months off. ....
Actually, cold water holds less oxygen than warm water. In fact, the reduced levels of oxygen in the water concentrates in deeper areas of the lake. Because these deep areas are easily located and the fish tend to suspend more in open water and move more predictably, they are easier to catch. Due to fish kill in the winter (impacting bait fish more than the catfish) and reduced vegetation the catfish are generally hungrier and more likely to bite.
thanks, I knew it was something like that, I was just backwards:tounge_out: I'm still learning and re-learning...It's been about 20 years since I really did any fishing...I've just gotten really into catfishing over the past year.
i had heard that in the summer, cats like to stay deep in cooler water. so i was just asking what temp they would come into shallower water to feed. and i had also heard that when the water temp gets in mid 80's they will hardly feed at all. so i was gona see what you guys would say about the droping water temp and the changes in their behavior..
Check your facts. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm. That is why there is more life in the oceans in the north and the south. Trout need more oxygen than bass which is why they can't survive warm water.
Check your facts. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm. That is why there is more life in the oceans in the north and the south. Trout need more oxygen than bass which is why they can't survive warm water.
Referring to http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem03/chem03334.htm will reveal why pure water is different from most liquids. Interestingly, water is an anomaly from most liquids for much the same reason that water ice is less dense than the liquid itself.
I had been referring to a study of dissolved gas in the Lower Columbia River which measured just the opposite. This was most likely due to polution, which alters the water characteristics and produces the opposite effect. Perhaps this is one reason why trout need cold and clean water!
Yes, cold water sinks. The oxygen goes with it. During winter fish concentrate at a level where they can get the oxygen they need, but stay warm enough to survive.
it's all good...i forgive you...besides...isnt that how its supposed to work, anyway?! to help and guide eachother when we think...sometimes, it hurts, so i try not to do that too much:tounge_out: most of the time...I'm surprised when I am right:wink: so...since i like surprises...thanks :amazed:
I would'nt be in too much of a hurry to put the boat away. Some of the best fishing is right around the corner. Mid October thru early December will be good times for Blues on the Potomac, James, and chick. For the die hards January thru the pre spawn will show good numbers of big fish. Finding the bait can be harder than finding the fish at times. My personal experience is that when the water temps get to around 36 degrees the bite drops way off. I like it when its between 39 and 50 degrees.
when it's colder...do they bite better at night or in the day or does it really matter? I mean, atleast when its cold, you don't have the sun cooking you during the day right?
When its cold the blue cats bite well during the day from Nov-Apr. Since our VA winters are so mild, that means fishing in the morning around freezing and later in the day temperatures around 40-50's. I love it. Since I put a windshield on my side consol, I don't get cold at all even when running the boat. I expect the bite is good at night also but for me, night time is sleeping time. Always think safety when fishing in the winter. Cold water will ruin your day quickly.
The winter is the best time to catch big cats. And they are bunched up in certain areas, and if you find them, you can have a great day. Expect multiple citation days. In fact, some guys will only fish when it gets cold. I think the winter day/night bite is the same, but the reason so many more fish during the day in winter is "why not"? There are no crazies out, it's warmer than at night, and you can get home and still eat dinner and get to bed on time. No more crazy all-nighters like in the summer trying to avoid the yahoos and heat of the day. Definitely good to layer, b/c as Kenneth alluded to, the mornings are freezing, but when that sun comes up, I'm usually down to a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt.
I am sooooooo ready to fish hard this winter. Got my boat all tuned up, and plenty of sick days to use.:big_smile:
I like cat fishing when deer season starts. You have the river all to yourself. But MAY NOT GET TO THIS YEAR... I was cleaning the gutters out on my garage and I fell off the roof..... ( Busted tail bone and a fractured 3rd vertebra. I am in a chest cast for 3-4 months.... But I will be better someday. I am taking it one day at a time....
Alan, sorry to hear that and I wish you a speedy recovery. If you're up to fishing but not up to handling your own boat, give me a yell, you're welcome aboard any time.
Hey Josh... Ready for another trip to our secret spot I took you last winter... What 8 fish over 30 and 2 over 40 in one trip.... Looking forward to the winter,, Bring on the 10-15 degree mornings... I love them :smile2:
Kenneth,Now I can follow a lot of big cat chasers:smile2:
I hope this rain washes out the river and cools the water a bit.
Come on cooler weather..
I hate to wish my life away.
mikeb
. ( Busted tail bone and a fractured 3rd vertebra. I am in a chest cast for 3-4 months.... But I will be better someday. I am taking it one day at a time....
Best of luck to ya, take it easy. no damage to your spine I hope. will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. the fish will still be be there when youre better
Did someone say fishin season? Well i'll give my vote to salt-n-pepper with a touch of old bay! Good luck and see ya on the water real soon. :tounge_out:
I want to thank everone for the well wishes and I am taking it one day at a time. :cool2: I will give it another try this Nov. God willing.... I need to better my 65lb PB. There is something about the James that has been good to me..... I believe all those big cats are like old friends. Its good to see them, say hello and let them be on their way.... Even if I caught the state record, I would let it go right there. The last thing I would want to do is kill one of those big fish... I need to get a good video camera...
Better go for now
Thanks again!!!!
blacksheep - I hope the time in your cast goes quickly. I can't imagine being couped up like that. Get better fast.
On the fall front, since I am a newbie at the catfishin' game I can't wait until the grass leaves the river so it is a little easier fishin for them on the Potomac.
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