Night fishing for catfish: equipment, bait, and river search

Night catfish fishing: tackle, bait, and river search. Night catfish fishing is one of the most exciting and rewarding types of fishing. It's during the dark hours that this cautious and powerful predator is most active. Night fishing allows you to catch real trophies weighing 10–30 kg or more, which rarely leave their hiding places during the day.

Catfish behavior at night

The catfish is a typical nocturnal predator. During the day, it usually lies in holes, under snags, or in burrows, and emerges to hunt after dark. Main periods of activity:

• Immediately after sunset (first 2-3 hours)
• Late night (from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM)
• The pre-dawn hours

The darker the night and the warmer the water, the more active the catfish. The best months are July, August, and early September.

Where to look for catfish in the river at night

Catfish prefer the following places:

• Deep holes and pools
• Exits from pits and lower eyebrows
• Sunken snags and driftwood
• Areas under steep cliffs
• Rip current zones behind capes and islands
• Mouths of tributaries and old riverbeds

In large rivers (Volga, Don, Yenisei, Ob), catfish often stand at a depth of 6–12 meters, but at night they can go ashore (3–5 meters) in search of food.

Catfish are extremely rare on the Putorana Plateau due to the cold water. Salmon and whitefish predominate here, and the conditions are too harsh for catfish. Therefore, night fishing for catfish on the plateau is practically nonexistent.

Tackle and equipment for night fishing

Rod: powerful, 2.7–3.3 m long, test 100–250 g or higher.

Reel: 5000–8000 with baitrunner and powerful drag.

Main line: braided line 0.40–0.60 mm or monofilament 0.70–1.0 mm.

Leash: steel or Kevlar 0.8–1.2 mm, 40–70 cm long.

Popular montages:

1. Classic bottom rig - weight at the end, leader above (paternoster).
2. Mounting with a “helicopter”– for fishing different horizons.
3. A rig with an underwater float - so that the bait is above the bottom.
4. Predatory rig - large single hook or tee.

The best baits for catfish at night

Catfish are predators with a very strong sense of smell, so the bait should be large and fragrant:

• Live bait (large roach, crucian carp, bream 15–25 cm)
• Frog (one of the best baits)
• A worm (a bunch of large worms)
• Cancer or crayfish meat
• Liver (chicken or beef)
• Fish meat (pieces of catfish, pike, bream)
• Mole cricket and large insects

At night, attachments with a strong scent work especially well.

Night fishing tactics

• Install 3-6 donks in a promising area.
• The distance between the gear is 20–40 meters.
• It is best to fish from evening until morning.
• Use fireflies or electronic alarms.
• When you get a bite, don't rush—catfish often chew on the bait first, then confidently move away. Set the hook after a firm tug.
• Play the fish firmly but carefully - the catfish is very strong.

Helpful tips

• Be sure to use a high-quality metal leader—catfish easily bite through fishing line.
• Catch on moonless nights or during a waxing moon.
• Take a powerful landing net or gaff.
• Observe safety precautions at night near water.

Conclusion

Night catfish fishing is a true test of patience, skill, and nerve. When a powerful "thump" resounds in the darkness, the rod bends into an arc, and a tremendous weight is felt at the other end—these moments are unforgettable.

If you're prepared for all-night vigils, powerful bites, and the challenge of baiting a true river giant, night catfish fishing will be one of the most exciting experiences of your fishing career.

Good luck on your night fishing and may your trophy catfish definitely set off your alarm!