By Brad Durick

Currently on the Red River, the water temperature is at 79 degrees and the cotton is falling from the trees surrounding it. This means the spawn for our channel catfish is on a full two weeks early in comparison to previous years. Big cats have been spotty but they are there if you keep looking.

The good news is there is an abundance of little fish to be caught and action remains constant. With all things considered – size, numbers, and consistency –  bite has been average again the past week. This recent heat has been a challenge, as it is just sweltering out there during the day. Fish are coming in the fast water, but not the fastest water. Right on the current breaks of holes seems to be the best spot for now. A good 25 to 30 minute sit seems to be the best.

You have to sort through some small fish to get to the bigger ones. It is also time to start fishing the steep cut banks and tight to any wood if you can find it to try to pull the bigger spawning fish out.

Goldeye and sucker are working, but a couple days dead is best.

Featured Photo: Enticing large catfish from spawning areas can be tricky. Target submerged wood and give bait a 25 to 30 minute sit before abandoning a location. DEO Photo by Brad Durick

Brad Durick is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and licensed ND fishing guide specializing in trophy catfish on the Red River in and around Grand Forks, N.D.