Who fears the spawn?

How much does the spawn really slow down the flathead bite?
Do you guys purposely fish less during that time of year?
Or does it pay to keep fishing every chance you get?

any chance to fish is good I know channels really slow down durning the spawn but cant comment on the flats cause i am still learning them

CA

we don’t fish as much during the spawn because the bite slows down so much. We are forced to fish the spawn during tournaments so we do get out some and try to figure out how to get the flatheads to bite while they’re spawning. I would rather leave the fish alone while they’re spawning. That is our future seed. Let the be mommy and daddy’s for a few weeks to help the future of catfishing. That’s my opinion take it for what it’s worth.

I have no problem catching flats during the spawn as long as they are immediately released. the river is totally wacked this year with high water and cool water temps. I think that will cause the fish to be spawn over a greater period of time. Usually they are done by now. The bite slows down during the spawn because the fish are not where they usually are. A 40 pound fish eats every day with the exception of the males who will not eat while they guard the nest. I move a lot more during the spawning weeks.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all flats spawn at the same time, which is why you’ll still get bit. Channels on the other hand pretty much spawn all at the same time. As Catten Addict says…channels are tough when the spawn starts.

we catch them all the time suppoedly during the spawn channels that is with slip bobbers and leeches around main channel rocks they look very black and beat up we was told they are spawning when this happens is this not true?

Fishing slows for me on both species.Channel cats do seem to be the toughest to catch during the spawn,but usually get a few by fishing as tight to the nest as possible.I will cast my bait as close to a snag as I can,then let some line out so that the bait ends up way up inside the snag.The bite is very light.You have to pay very close attention to your line and I keep a finger on it.If I feel any thing I set the hook.They don’t grab the bait and run but I suspect that they pick up the bait and place it out side the nest.
Live bait can be better at this time but its tough not get hung up with a lot of line out and a lively bait swimming where ever it wants,so I keep to cut bait when the snag is really thick.
I typicaly find these cats to be better than average size and yes…they are in spawn color and beat up.

For flatheads,buisness as usuall,except like others said I move more often.