By Brad Durick

Oh, what a weather change can do for catfishing on the Red River. We went from highs in the 50s with water temperatures in the mid-50s waiting for some heat, to the 90s and as of this writing, water temperatures rocketing up to 70. This is a worst-case scenario for a prespawn bite as many catfish become shocked from the fast-rising heat, then the spawn will be upon us so they will begin looking for a nest.

Numbers of catfish remain pretty good. Again, tons of small fish with some bigger fish mixed in. The key has been to stay on the move and look for the active fish. 20-to-25 minute sits seems to be the key. Morning and evening are clearly better times to fish. Due to the really clear water, the bite might be much better at night.  Try some different baits to see what the fish want. I have been using suckers as always and getting by.

The heat has finally arrived but now too much of it. At this point let’s just hope it stays hot and tough out the spawn and get into a summer pattern. On a side note, the clear water  has the walleyes and pike biting well on cat gear so there is some great opportunity with that.

I have limited dates left in mid-June and good availability after July 15th

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

Featured Photo: Summerlike Smiles.  Warm temperatures over the past week have made fishing more pleasant and kept action steady for catfish on the Red River. DEO Photo by Brad Durick.