the best channel cat spot I know of is Coon Rapids Dam (Missippi river). All through May and June the action is practically non-stop. I accidentally discovered this when practice fishing for the Carp Festival. Either side of the river is great for picking up channels in the 1-2 pound range. The problem is when you fish the bottom with worms you’re gonna get a grab bag assortment (some small cats and smallmouth bass, a few sheepshead, carp, and bullheads). I personally like catching carp, but I know some people just want cats. It can get frustrating taking off 10″ cats and 7″ bullheads when you want big cats, so if you do go, try minnows or cut bait and see if you can zero in on the larger cats.
The west side has a lot more cover and a few islands, so this is no doubt where the larger fish roam, although I’ve see many people get spooled and break off on large fish on the east side too (could be anything from big cats to muskies or carp).
Note: There has never been a flathead reported in this stretch that I know of, but channels up to 15 pounds and carp up to 30 have been caught. There’s a fee to get into the park but you can park outside the gate on the street and walk in.
