I've heard that catfishing is usually good when the lake level rises after a big rain. Is this true? How long does this last? Does the cold weather affect catfish as much as other fish, like crappie?

I hear they'll be feeding in the creeks where they dump in the lake. Thats just what I've heard. They feed on what is getting washed down stream and prepare for spawn in the shallows. I have not tried looking there though so its all hear say to me but makes sense.

You bet, when a Lake is on the rise so are the fish. They will go shallow, I like to fish flooded grass and weeds when a lake floods or rises like this. Nothing like catching big cats in shallow water.

I went down to RC in April last year when the cats were so thick in the shallow water, that you cold actually see thier dorsal fins stinking out of the water, like a shark fin.

We used 9 foot rods adn dead fresh shad on a 3/0 hook and had 50 cats in less than 2 hours.....has to use the trolling motor to get in close and make LONG casts....but fun...oh my goodness...what fun.....all in 1-2 feet of water.

I could have gotten out of the boat and walked to them...seriously.

That was right after some heavy rains and we were as far up into the drain creeks as we could go....abotu a 45 minutes boat rde from the ramp.

But it was worht it.

When the Navasota River near my home floods out of its banks I fish on what are usually cow pastures in about 2-3 feet of water. As soon as the water starts to drop.....even an inch the bite will stop and they move back to the river. But when it comes up they go nuts. Most of the cats I catch like this are full of crawfish. Its exciting to me when the river starts coming up like this. Its too bad I have to work!!

Good story, ScooterG, thanks for sharing.

ScooterG - I bet that is a blast! I imagine catfish with taught bellies just gorging themselves.

You bet guys. Now I just need to find time to get out there! The river did not come up as much as I thought it would so it did not flood the bottom areas. I went scouting a little today. I have to play mr mom this weekend so I won't have a chance to make a trip out. Hopefully someone can do it for me and post a good trip.

When the water is on the rise, you'll be in for a surprise. When the water is steady, the catfish are ready. When the water starts to drop, fishing will be a flop.