It’s On! The pre-spawn catfish bite is happening now on the Red River, with good water levels and temperatures facilitating great fishing. DEO Photo by Brad Durick.

By Brad Durick

The 2024 catfishing season on the Red River in and around Grand Forks has started off with a bang! It is proof that stable conditions make for great fishing. Water levels have been the same for weeks until this past weekend when it came up a little from rains which will really put the pre-spawn fish into high gear.

Water levels are near perfect, with temperatures in the mid-50s and the catfish are on the annual upstream migration to bulk up and get ready for the spawn which should still be a month away. The fish look clean and healthy. The forecast looks very positive with no real cool downs and no hot weather ahead.

Look for catfish in the faster water right on the break line or in smaller holes near that line. One thing to consider if they are not there earlier in the day is to go out of the current (but not too far away) until the sun gets higher and puts some heat on things and they will move into the faster current.  Give spots an honest 20-25 minutes before moving.  You will know whether to move or not when the time comes.

Choosing bait has been easy, just put some on a hook! They have taken everything I have thrown at them so far which consists of both fresh and frozen suckers and goldeye. I truly believe the best is yet to come as things warm up a little more! 

Brad Durick is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer specializing in trophy catfish on the Red River in and around Grand Forks.