By Brad Durick

Catfishing on the Red River has slowed a little in the past week. This is due in part to the water receding and the hot weather we have had. Water temperatures are already pushed to 68 degrees as of this report, which is eight to ten degrees higher than normal for this time of year. You can see the fast progression in the trees and plants along the river. We have still not yet reached 70 degrees however, and the cool down for later in the week will stall the temperatures and hopefully hold the catfish in prespawn mode for a few more weeks. Typically, spawn is not supposed to start until about June 10.

While things have slowed, comparatively, the fishing is still really great. Catfish are spreading out some and requiring more hunting, but once you find them, they are willing to play. Both suckers and goldeyes have worked for me in the past week. Sit times are about the same with one noticeable change. It seems you get a fairly quick bite on a spot but for big fish a longer sit is required. I noticed five to 15 minutes gets a couple little fish and 20 to 30 might trigger a bigger fish. Just don’t sit all day hoping. 

I suspect the weekend is going to be fairly miserable fishing with the forecast of cold weather and big north winds but as that straightens into a more seasonal pattern things should continue on.  All looks positive for the most part.

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

Featured Photo: From the Brink. Catfish on the Red River were nearly pushed into spawning mode by last week’s warm up, but the cooler temperatures on tap for this weekend will likely hold them in an active, pre-spawn mode for a bit longer.  DEO Photo by Brad Durick.