Early Opportunities.  Anglers on the Red River are finding a strong catfish bite for this time of the season, with good water conditions and temperatures triggering hungry pre-spawn fish. DEO Photo by Brad Durick.

By Brad Durick

Catfishing on the Red River is hot and heavy and in full stride already. With rains from last week bringing water levels up a couple feet the fish have really kicked into high gear.  Water temperatures are in the high 50s right now which is perfect for early May.

They are still running in the middle on the break lines near holes and faster water runs but are hanging on the slower side of the break. The best bait right now is anything fresh. I have been using suckers because I was able to secure and store some, however, everything seems to be working for bait. Sit times have been in that 20-minute range but don’t be to quick to leave because a big one might be lurking in the area. I have been running 30-minute sits just in case.

This hot weather that has shown up early could throw a monkey wrench into things because if the water temperature rises too quickly it can shock the bite for a few days. That has not been the issue so far due to cooler nights but it may be a factor later this week or next with the warmer forecast. 

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 the Grand Forks area.