How to Catch More Michigan Catfish

Catfish are sometimes a nuisance when fishing for carp. The photos show some of the larger Mr. Whiskers I have landed in Michigan.

Ninety-five percent of the time I fish with 3 pieces of corn on a hair rig fished with pack bait and bolt-rig. It catches carp effectively and also attracts catfish occasionally. 

Catfish Pictures

When I am carp fishing, catfish are sometimes an unwelcome but necessary frustrating side effect. This collage includes some of the largest catfish I have landed in the past few years. Size ranges from about 5 pounds up to 13 pounds with one of the largest coming from a local city park pond.

The next largest was hooked in a large impoundment near the Michigan / Ohio state line that is known for very good musky fishing. Most of the remaining photos come from various rivers in Michigan.

Best Bait for Catfish

Natural baits work the best. Worms are good choices. 

• Night crawlers
• Red wigglers

Growing up my uncles used a variety of other baits with good results as well.

• Chicken liver
• Beef liver
• Beef tongue

A variety of other baits are also used successfully.

• Bread balls
• Corn
• Hominy
• Stink baits

Catfish are sometimes caught on artificial baits as well, but natural baits increase the odds significantly.

Trophy Sized Catfish 

Catfish in the 12 to 15 pound range are frequently caught in Michigan. A personal best in that weight range is a reasonable goal. But for the trophy sized specimen tipping the scales at 50 pounds or more, I would head to the Missouri or Mississippi River systems. Even some of the larger reservoirs like Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Lake Barkley in Kentucky, Pickwick Lake in Tennessee are some other good alternatives for some very large specimens.  

Recording Setting Catfish

In Michigan, a Niles man caught a 49 pound catfish in the St. Joseph River back in 2012. The fish was 45 inches in length.