Big End.  Larger catfish are still on the bite in the waters of the Red River and dead sucker is a go-to bait as autumn settles in and the season draws to a close.  DEO Photo by Brad Durick.

By Brad Durick

Water temperatures on the Red River are holding in the high 60s for now and the flow is noticeably lower than it has been all season. I find myself fishing for these early-autumn catfish using two ounces of weight on the line now with the lesser current. North Grand Forks is fishable but exercise caution! South Grand Forks above the dam has lots of water. Remember the only open ramp is the Lincoln Park launch right now.  Looking at the rest of the gauges, it’s important for anglers to be careful all up and down the Red, watching for low water spots.

Fish patterns remain the same as they have been. Last week I said fronts could require time adjustments and that is the case. One day 20 minutes is enough while the next may need 30 to 40 so be flexible with sit times. Two- or three-days dead sucker remains the bait of choice.  I have even seen up to seven-day dead sucker work well. Frogs just have not gotten it done for me this week. In speaking to another group fishing north of Grand Forks, they had a very poor trip only fishing with frogs.

Looking at the forecast after this weekend, the annual cool off will be upon us and if everything holds water temperatures should drop fairly quickly. This is when working a longer clock can play in as things change. We have been very lucky to get at least two extra weeks of fishing this year! 

The end to my season will now be dictated by the water temperature. If you still want to get at trip for big catfish in, call or text 701-739-5808 for information or to book.

Brad Durick is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in trophy channel catfish on the Red River in and around Grand Forks. Read more from him at redrivercatfish.com.