It’s been a while since I last posted an update—things have been hectic with the holidays and an incredible amount of fishing! The winter catfish bite has been nothing short of amazing, and I wanted to give you an update on what’s happening now and what to expect as we move toward spring.
Winter Catfishing is On Fire
Right now, we’re targeting both numbers of catfish and trophy blue catfish, and the bite has been phenomenal, it’s steady and consistent. As usual, if there’s a good wind the bite is best but that’s true all year long. With this big Arctic front bringing colder temperatures, fishing for numbers is expected to get even better, with lots of quality blue and channel catfish being caught daily. Water temperatures will drop, stabilize, and push these fish into a true winter pattern.
For those chasing trophy blue catfish, this is prime time. The colder weather has these big blues feeding, and after the next few days of cold, the trophy bite should be absolutely phenomenal. We’re seeing a 96% success rate on trophy trips so far this season, and many clients have already landed their personal bests this season!
If you’re looking for a great winter fishing experience, whether it’s action-packed trips for numbers or chasing monster blue catfish, now is the time to book your trip. Now through February is some of my favorite fishing for numbers of blue catfish and the trophy catfish bite can’t be beat!
On the mornings where the weather is really cold we’re starting later in the morning (like 9:00 or 10:00) to let it warm up so it’s more comfortable.
Here’s a few recent photos from the past couple of weeks.
Looking Ahead: Spring Catfishing!
Spring is right around the corner, and it’s one of my favorite and busiest times of the year. If you’re planning to fish this spring, especially on weekends, don’t wait to get booked—those dates always fill up fast! Here’s a preview of what’s coming:
March:
- Excellent numbers of blue catfish with fast action.
- Mixed in trophy blue catfish opportunities, especially the first 2-3 weeks of March
April:
- Incredible action for 2-8 pound blue catfish, perfect for those who love non-stop bites.
- While there are still some big fish, it’s more luck of the draw and we’ll catch far less trophy’s in April.
May:
- The shallow channel catfish bite kicks off, and it’s insane!
- We often see some blue catfish action spill over into May, depending on water temperatures.
- Late May may also bring white bass to the mix.
Book Your Spring Trip Now!
Don’t wait until it’s too late—spring weekends are already filling up. Whether you’re after trophy catfish or want to enjoy the thrill of catching numbers of eater-sized fish, this is the time to secure your spot.
You can check available dates and book online here.
Current Bite Summary
- Trophy Catfish Trips: 96% success rate. Lots of trophy blue cats being caught, with the bite expected to remain strong through early to mid-March.
- Numbers Trips: Tons of good-quality blue and channel catfish being caught daily, with many trips limiting out. The bite is light, but once clients tune into it, the results are fantastic!
Thank you all for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you on the water soon! Tight lines and big fish!
Chad Ferguson
North Texas Catfish Guide Service