If catfish are your thing, you can definitely target catfish and expect to catch some on Lake Pepin. Channel catfish and flathead catfish are both available throughout Lake Pepin and you can find some quality fish of both species here too.
Fish at Night
The easiest way to catch catfish during the warmer months is to fish at night. Catfish feed better at night and they will also usually move shallower at night as well. Just make sure you have everything you need for a safe night fishing trip on Lake Pepin.
The Current May Dictate the Bite
When the river is running higher, there will be more current throughout Lake Pepin. The current can help position the catfish. While catfish can easily swim in the current, some of the best spots will usually be right on the current break or in the more moderate current. At times though, the better spots may be in areas where there is more current.
When the lake has more current, try the areas where you have some current breaks and cast lines in the slack water and moving water. The catfish will usually let you know where the better bite is going to be on any given day.
Fish the Drop-offs
Some of the drop-offs that have some deep water close to shallow water will be good spots to fish in the summer and fall. Catfish will often move shallower to find a meal, so if you can find deeper water close to shallow water, there is a good chance you will find some catfish.
Fish the Rocks
Lake Pepin has plenty of rocks and some of the rocky areas will usually hold a lot of smaller bait fish. Catfish will be in these areas too, especially early in the year. Try to keep your baits just out of the rocks to avoid snags and you should be able to catch some catfish.
Fish the Soft Bottoms (Mud & Muck)
Catfish can often be found on the softer bottoms. These areas are great spots to fish from late spring through early fall.
Best Baits for Catfish
Catfish are not too picky when it comes to what they eat, however, there are definitely some things you could learn that will help you catch more catfish. Cut baits, stink baits, cheese baits, and nightcrawlers will usually be the best baits for catfish.
Best Rigs for Catfish
Catfish feed primarily on the bottom on most bodies of water, so most anglers keep it simple with a basic bottom fishing rig. You really don’t have to complicate things too much when targeting catfish, so we recommend keeping it simple with just a few basic rigs.
To learn more, take a look at our best rigs for catfish page.
Best Techniques for Catfish
There are many different techniques that you can use when targeting catfish, but you don’t really need to do anything complicated. You are going to catch most of your catfish on the bottom while you just sit and wait. However, there are a few techniques that can be effective that you should learn if you want to put more catfish in the boat.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for catfish page.
Learn More About Catfish
Our catfish fishing section has tons of tips on the best baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our catfish fishing website to learn more.
