Catfish can be caught year round on Lake Norman. They move freely up and down river and creek channels as water temperatures, food supply and spawning urges dictate. During the spring spawn, catfish are typically found in very shallow water. Post-spawn fish feed in water from 10 to 30 feet. Early summer finds them moving into deeper water, but they feed on the banks where they find food.

In the dog days of summer, the dam area is popular with cat fishermen. When fall arrives, the seasonal migration pattern reverses. As water temperatures cool, they move back to the mid- to- shallow portions of river channels, creeks and coves. The winter freeze causes them to go deep again. Many find refuge in the warm waters of the power plant discharges.

Catfish have been known to eat almost anything, dead or alive. Popular baits vary with the time of year and availability, but mainstays are shad, herring, bream, perch, and various prepared baits. Cut and live baits are effective, but fresh dead baits work best. Artificial baits also catch catfish. Usually, these strikes occur incidentally while targeting other species. Jigging spoons, tipped with cut bait, are credited with catches of large summer flatheads and blues.

Anglers in boats will either anchor or slow drift for catfish. Those who anchor, generally use two anchors to prevent the boat from swinging and the lines from tangling. Once securely in place, baits are cast in all directions around the boat. Some anglers rig as many as thirty rods with a variety of baits. Odors from large numbers of bait act as chum, and attract fish from all directions. To find fish, either slowly drift when winds are light, or slow troll with an electric trolling motor. Best places for cats are around dock pilings, brush piles, shallow points and shallow edges of creek and river channels.

Long handled medium action rods from seven to nine feet, are popular with cat fishermen. Most use fiberglass rods and bait casting reels with bait clickers and smooth drags. Twenty-, 30- or 40-pound test line is recommended. Large nets will land most fish, but a gaff should be used on cats over fifty pounds. If you plan to release a big fish, lip or shallow gaff it in the back. Better yet, cut the line and allow the fish to swim away.

Terminal tackle consists of wide gap hooks, a length of monofilament leader, a two-way swivel, and a slip weight. Position an inline float between the two way swivel and the hook. This will prevent the bait from dragging bottom and becoming covered with mud or silt.

Big baits are fine when seeking world records, but small baits will attract catfish of all sizes. A bream head, half a shad or herring, or a small body section of white perch will tempt any size catfish. Mussels, bloodworms, night crawlers, Vienna sausage, and chicken parts are used by anglers who cast from shores and docks. Popular live baits include gizzard shad & blue back herring during spring and fall, goldfish in summer, and in winter months, use golden trout that is cut to slowly bleed.

A catfish takes the bait very slowly, so allow time for the fish to ingest the bait. Set the hook only after the rod tip is severely bent. A light hook set is all that’s necessary when using laser sharp hooks. Keep the line taut when reeling the fish to the net. Pay close attention to other rods that might go down.

Catfish swim together and multiple hook-ups are common.

Tips from Capt. Gus:
Areas identified with both a channel and a shoal marker (in close proximity to each other), are prime locales for catching bass, stripers and catfish. Examples are Markers R4, 2A, D2, D3, D4, T2 and 15A.

Upcoming Events:
“Introduction to Casting” — Mitchell Community College, Mooresville, Wednesday May 7 and 14 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Capt. Gus will teach the fundamentals of casting bait, fly, and spinning equipment. Bring your favorite rod/reel and learn to cast like a pro. The fee for this two night session is $25. Call 704-663-1923 to pre-register.

Boater Safety Class: “How to Navigate Lake Norman” Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville. Thursday, May 8, from 6-9 p.m. Topics will include: “Understanding LKN’s Marker and Buoy System,” “Identifying and Learning to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Shoals” and “How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps.” Registration fee for this class is $25. For more information or to register,
call Capt. Scott Spivey at 704 587 0325 or visit http://www.lmservice.org.

“How to Throw a Cast Net and Keep Bait Alive” is a free seminar conducted by Capt. Craig Price and Gus Gustafson at Gander Mountain at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday May 20. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information.

Hot Spots of the Week:
Bass and striper fishing has been good to very good in Mountain, Stumpy and Hicks creeks. Surface feeding activity is occurring at dawn and dusk, particularly when the wind is calm. In the past week fishing for bass and stripers has been very good to excellent. The water level is 1.9’ below full pond. Surface temperature is in the 60s.

Captain Gustafson is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and a Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman. Visit his Web site at FishingWithGus.com , e-mail him at or call 704-617-6812.

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