[JJHACK]

I have been fishing for catfish all my life but I don't live in a great catfish state. Washington state is not really well known as a catfish state.

I have always wanted to have a mounted Channel cat( reproduction) but said I would not mount one unless I caught one over 15 pounds. Where in the USA would be the best season, and location to have the best chance of doing this? Even if you guys know a guide that does trophy catfish trips let me know. In my line of work I travel throughout the western USA including Oklahoma and Texas. I really want to catch a 15 plus pound catfish any species but Channel would be my preference.

Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions.

 

[Nate]

You might be better off posting this question in each state that you travel to forum section.

I've heard good things about Lake Texoma (I think this is the name?). Right on the border or Texas and Oklahoma. SOmeone from either of those two states would be able to help you more.

On a side note, if you're going to get a cat mounted/reproduction... consider a blue cat. I think they are an over all nicer looking fish. I'm sure lots of people will disagree with me on this though lol.

 

[Abu]

Take a look at this article on ESPN Outdoors and most likely every channel you catch will be over 15 lbs. Click here to see the catfish vacation of my dreams. Abu

 

[JJHACK]

Holy crap that's the place. All the rates are for 2 people and I don't know anyone that would go on such a trip with me. From the sounds of it this is the catfish heaven!

 

[roofermike]

Great link!!!!!!! Great story.

If you wanna catch some monster blues, hook up with some of the guys in the Missouri section. These guys are taking some HUGE blue up of truman lake.

 

[TrophyHunter]

JJHACK I know you said you were wanting to know where to go in the states but if you ever get the chance to come up to Manitoba the Red and Assiniboine rivers are a sure bet for multiple channels from 15-30+lbs.

 

[JJHACK]

What is the best time of year to go there? I frequenly travel to Minn. so it may be an easy plane hop up north for a weekend.

 

[TrophyHunter]

JJ I find he best action to start in june once it starts to warm up up here and it stays hot all summer.Things are starting to slow a bit as it has started to cool off quite a bit but bigguns are still being caught and they go on a crazy feeding binge soon to bulk up for the long cold winter.Get in touch with me before you plan to come up and i can give you all the info you need like what there hitting on and where to find em and gear to bring. Also if I'm not working could possibly meet up and show you in person! You will have to make sure to take lost of pics and measurements on any biggun you would want a replica of as there is a 24" max size limit for keeping up here but that= lots of sumo cats to catch

 

[JJHACK]

From April through late June I work in South Africa as a Professional Hunter at my Safari lodge. I come home and the remainder of June is premo carp bowfishing hard to pass that up. But from July through August I can come fish for the big hogs with you in Canada. We really need to make a plan for this in 2006. I'm going to go even if I have to book a trip with that guide mentioned above in this thread. I would love a weekend of catching big hogs!

 

[TrophyHunter]

JJ lets make it happen!

 

[Catfish bait]

For big channels you can't beat the Red River here in manitoba.Every year over 600 people, probably lots more catch cats that are at least 34'' long. My personal best is a 34'' fish with one he!! of a gut on it weighing around 30#. My dad caught a 45" channel on the Red while jiggin with a power minnow, couldn't beleive the size of that fish. There seems to be a couple weeks in late spring that the river fills with tons carp and catfish.

 

[keith.lee]

try the columbia river or the snake river between oregon and idaho fished that river alot grownin up seen lots of big channel cats come out of that river seen a few big blues too