Ice fishing channel cats.

Anyone ice fish cats? I was thinking of going up to the horseshoe chain-tips on locations or tactics would be great
Thanks

There have been a bunch of posts here in the past on it. They may have been lost when the site changed. I’d search for you using google, but I’m on my phone.

I never did it up there but I can give you the basics. Then maybe others will chime in with more details.

They fish near the meth holes on Horseshoe lake. Although I bet most deep holes with some current will have cats.

The catfish will be suspended. Electronics or a camera would be a big help.

The bait is usually 3-5 crappie minnows or fatheads gobbed onto a hook. The fish are suspended so don’t fish the bottom.

Bright glow jigs with minnows or chicken liver will catch cats up there. You will also want to use the smallest bobber you can since they typically bite very light. Anytime you are near the river channel the ice can be schetchy. If I am in the truck I don’t venture off the main roads unless I check before I go. The marina in town will help point you in the right direction and also sells liver and bait.

Walk the river section.
Find holes.
They’ll be loaded with cats.

Set rods in a holder and use spring bobber…Watch for the slightest twitch.
Or
Use venom bobbers set neutral and again, watch for the slightest twitch.

There are times when they’ll only hit a live minnow, or even an aggressive jig…But that is horribly rare.

It is not uncommon to be able to sit down in one hole and catch 50 in a few hours.

I suggest no less than 10# line due to the wear and tear of ice rubbing on line.

I suggest thick hooks and wide gap. (not many ice fishing walleye gear is tough enough) Them catfish lips can destroy a lot of hooks quick trying to pop them out.

Don’t be afraid to do some walking on the river…What you may find will be very rewarding in both size and qty! …. or follow the herd to the meth hole.

A few years ago I had my buddy let me video tape him while he talked about fishing for channel cats. They suspend and that is very odd for many people. Takes time to locate the fish but once you do it can be a ton of fun.

At horseshoe, fish like you would for crappie and like tactics. Any water depth of over 20′ and you should find them.