Species / Channel Catfish / Mississippi
Catfish
Channel Catfish Fishing in Mississippi
Found in nearly every river, reservoir, and pond in the country. Channel cats feed by scent and bite best on warm summer nights.
Best Months: May to Sep
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Channel Catfish
3 picks for October.
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait
Chicken Liver Chunk
BaitNatural Bait
Cut Shad Chunk or fillet
BaitNatural Bait
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Rod & Reel
Channel Catfish Setup
Channel Catfish
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 3000 to 4000 reel, 15 to 20 lb line, slip-sinker rig with a circle hook.
Mississippi
Where to Catch Channel Catfish
Lakes & Reservoirs · Mississippi
Enid Lake
Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Yocona River ten miles south of Batesville. The world record white crappie came out of this water, and the summer pool holds crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and bream.
Crappie · Largemouth Bass · White Bass
Lakes & Reservoirs · Mississippi
Ross Barnett Reservoir
A Pearl River reservoir near Jackson with crappie, bass, and catfish.
Crappie · Largemouth Bass · Channel Catfish
Lakes & Reservoirs · Mississippi
Sardis Lake
A large reservoir near Batesville with trophy crappie and spring bass.
Crappie · Largemouth Bass · Channel Catfish
Mississippi
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Channel Catfish
Rod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo
A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
Check PriceLine
Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
Check PriceTerminal Tackle
Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.
Check PriceTerminal Tackle
Egg Sinkers and Swivels
Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.
Check Price