| If you ask any fly fisherman if he gets any | | | | anglers find that if they get a few catfish early in |
| catfish, he'll probably tell you that he sure does... | | | | the day, they'll have a lot of luck all day long. On |
| accidentally! Chances are, he's targeting bass, | | | | the other hand, if you spend a while out there |
| trout or crappie and a cat gets snagged | | | | casting flies and get nothing, it just might not be |
| somewhere along the way. On the other hand, if | | | | the right time or place. If you haven't caught |
| you ask a catfish man if he ever tries fly fishing, | | | | anything within five minutes, move on to another |
| he'll probably tell you that it's just too darn difficult | | | | spot on the river. Once you find a spot where |
| to catch catfish with flies. | | | | they're biting, stay until you get a few. |
| The truth is, it's not as tough as everyone makes | | | | The best places are always around obstructions |
| it out to be. It's just that nobody does it. And, | | | | like dams or log jams, where the catfish will be in |
| why not? For one thing, fly fishing works best for | | | | calm waters. Look for a spot where there is |
| fish that are feeding near the surface, and cats | | | | some activity at the surface of the water. Even if |
| are bottom dwellers. For another thing, catfish like | | | | you're not sure it's a cat you see, as long as |
| to put up a good fight, and many fly fishermen | | | | something is biting and you can see it, there are |
| have had fly rods snapped in half by feisty | | | | sure to be cats there as well. |
| catfish. | | | | Good Gear for Fly fishing Catfish |
| Fly fishing is actually a great technique for catching | | | | Fly fishing for catfish won't probably catch you a |
| channel cats in rivers. It doesn't work so well for | | | | giant trophy sized fish. Most anglers catch channel |
| flatheads or blues. The best way to learn how to | | | | cats that are under 10 pounds fly fishing. You |
| fly fish for cats is to get out there and do it, but | | | | should use a fly rod that is anywhere from 5-7 |
| there are some tips that will help you along the | | | | weight. You don't want the rod to snap, and you |
| way. | | | | also don't want it to be so heavy you don't feel |
| Know Your Stream | | | | the fish bite. |
| You really have to know when and where the | | | | A long rod helps with control. Once you catch him |
| catfish are biting in order to catch them with a fly. | | | | on the end of your line, you're going to want to |
| Catfish are looking their hardest for food usually in | | | | ease him to the shore without losing him. A nice |
| the early spring during spawning season, and in | | | | long line will help you to keep his head above |
| the late fall when they're trying to fatten up for | | | | water as you pull him to shore. |
| winter. Depending on the river or stream, you | | | | A word on tying flies - it's tough at first, but you'll |
| may find catfish on the surface all year round. It's | | | | get used to it! Casting is tricky, too. Just be |
| a little like gambling; if you get a few hits, you | | | | patient and remember that trial and error is what |
| should keep on going and ride your luck. Most | | | | makes you a pro! |