Best Bait for Catfish: Channel, Flathead and Blue Cats
Best bait for catfish? It depends on the species. Channel catfish take night crawlers, chicken liver, crayfish, grasshoppers and prepared baits; flatheads prefer live fish such as large minnows and sunfish; blue catfish go for live or cut fish, especially gizzard shad and skipjack herring.
Below is a bait chart by species, how to fish each bait and answers to common questions. Planning a night on the river? Browse our catfish fishing shirts.
Best bait for catfish by species
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) breaks catfish bait down by species (MDC: Catfish Tips for Fishing):
| Species | Baits MDC lists | Where to fish |
|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Rubber worm dipped in prepared bait, night crawlers, chicken liver, grasshoppers, crayfish, small fish | Lakes, ponds and streams; rocky riprap shorelines in spawning season |
| Flathead catfish | Live bait: large minnows, goldfish, green sunfish, bullheads, crayfish | Near cover such as drift piles, fallen trees and rocks; mostly at night |
| Blue catfish | Live or dead fish, especially sunfish and goldfish; cut gizzard shad or skipjack herring | Large rivers and reservoirs near current and deep water |
What is the best bait for channel catfish?
MDC calls channel cats "the easiest catfish to catch," and they "readily take a variety of baits." Night crawlers and chicken liver are easy to buy. Rig on a straight, treble or circle hook. With worms, dead or prepared baits, cast or drop to the bottom and tighten the line when the bait lands.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish?
Live bait. MDC says flatheads "clearly prefer live bait." Flatheads are usually inactive during the day, so night fishing near cover is more productive. Use stout gear, strong line and large hooks; flatheads are typically much larger than channel cats.
What is the best bait for blue catfish?
Fish, live or cut. Catfish guide Dieter Melhorn ranks gizzard shad as his top catfish bait and adds that "fresh is best"; frozen shad can turn mushy (Dieter Melhorn: Three Best Catfish Baits). Shad usually take a cast net to catch. Use heavy gear: MDC notes blues of 20 to 50 pounds are common in some waters.
Can you use bluegill as catfish bait?
Sometimes. Melhorn ranks bluegill and other sunfish second, but warns that some states treat them as gamefish and do not allow them as bait. Where it is legal, they usually must be caught on rod and reel within creel limits. Check your state regulations first. Want to catch your own? See how to catch bluegill.
What to wear for catfish fishing
Catfishing often means long evenings on the bank. Our catfish shirts come in long sleeve UPF, hooded long sleeve UPF and other styles with a custom name; check each product page for the exact options. For daytime sessions, read how to avoid sunburn while fishing.
FAQ
What's the best bait to catch catfish?
For channel cats, night crawlers, chicken liver or prepared baits. For flatheads, live fish. For blues, fresh cut shad or skipjack.
What is irresistible to catfish?
Fresh bait. Melhorn calls fresh gizzard shad one of the premier catfish baits anywhere in the country.
Do catfish bite better at night?
Flatheads do; MDC says they are typically inactive during the day. Channel and blue cats can be caught day or night.
Can you use bluegill for catfish bait?
Only where your state allows it. Some states ban sunfish as bait because they are gamefish.
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