Hot Weather Means Hot Catfishing

LEWISTON - - With the recent triple digit temperatures causing many anglers to retire their rods until cooler weather, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds them that the hot weather can also mean hot catfishing. According to Bill Arnold, fisheries technician with IDFG, July can be one of the best months for Idaho catfish anglers. "Catfish are warmwater fish, and when the water temperature rises, they actively feed and are easier to catch." The Snake River from southern Idaho to eastern Washington is home to Channel Catfish, that thrive in the warm back-eddies of Hells Canyon and the Lewiston area. Increasing numbers of anglers are braving the heat to try their luck as word spreads of numerous two to six pound catfish being caught. "Both boat and bank anglers are doing well," Arnold noted. "And many are beating the heat by going nocturnal, finding the best time to be on the water is when the sun is down." Arnold recommends using No. 02 circle hooks and slip sinkers with a short leader above baits ranging from nightcrawlers, cut-bait, and home-made stink-baits. "Some anglers even tape glow sticks to their rod tips to detect nighttime strikes," he said. Mann Lake, a 145 acre reservoir near Lewiston, also provides good fishing for channel catfish. Kenny Decker of Kooskia caught the Idaho State record channel catfish from Mann Lake last summer. The 38-inch fish weighed over 31 pounds and was caught on a nightcrawler.