By Brad Durick

The water temperatures have really come up the past few days in the northern reaches of the Red River. Some sections of the flow are producing fish better than others. Most areas are fishing like it is mid-summer as the lack of current seems to have not sparked the catfish to make their annual upstream migration. The best spots to locate big fish have been deeper water in the middle of the channel. Move fairly quickly, not staying more than 20-30 minutes unless you are on fish.

The best bait has been goldeye with sucker coming in second. There continues to be a lot of the picking and pecking we have experienced over the last couple of weeks, so use smaller baits to ensure the fish gets the hook.

As the river remains extremely low, caution should be exercised when boating (especially below dams) to ensure the safety you and your equipment.

Brad Durick is a Dakota Edge Outdoors Contributing Writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in trophy catfish on the northern reaches of the Red River.

Featured Photo: Warmer temperatures coupled with lower current have made the recent catfish bite feel more like one from mid-summer. DEO Photo by Brad Durick.