Last year’s low water levels are a distant memory for catfish anglers on the Red River as high flows further delay spring fishing. DEO Photo by Brad Durick

By Brad Durick

Storms over the weekend have put our flood situation on the Red River right back where it was last week. Only this time, we will have to wait a week for the river to rise and fall again.

It now looks like around June 15 before boats will be able to get on the water and searching for catfish.

Water temperatures right now are in the mid-60s so the pre spawn period for channel cats is in full swing. The next couple of weeks could offer great shore fishing opportunities. As the water rises again worms will be coming up in flat areas and catfish can come up and gorge. Also, if you can find the first drop off to a current seam, catfish should be feeding there. Night fishing could be a great time for both these techniques. Use night crawlers or other fresh baits.

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 Grand Forks.