Sudden Spawner. The recent heatwave has warmed the waters of the Red River triggering spawning activity in the flow’s resident catfish. DEO Photo by Brad Durick.

By Brad Durick

With incredibly hot temperatures over the weekend and to present, the catfish on much of the Red River are heading to the nest.

I have started seeing males protecting the nests and others acting like they are looking for a nest. The bad news is the bite will slow, the good news is that the forecast looks like it will stay hot, hurrying the spawn along.

Fishing has been spotty in most areas with lack of current in the Red River to hold fish and make them predictable. The Drayton stretch of the flow has more movement and is still producing prespawn fish more than other areas. The best baits have been fresh options to attract hunting fish. Keep in mind that this heat will push the fish to a night bite as well. Keep working at it and it will happen.

The river remains extremely low and caution should be exercised when boating (especially below dams) to ensure the your safety and that of your equipment.

Brad Durick is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and licensed ND Fishing Guide specializing in trophy catfish on the northern Red River.