Fish Rocks For Lake Catfish

 Most anytime of the year, you can catch catfish off rocky structures: rocky points, the rip-rap of dams, and even along smooth retaining walls. In early spring, catfish are attracted to the crawfish that are abundant around rocks that time of year. Later, catfish spawn in rock crevices. In summer, catfish feed on moss and algae that grow on rocks and retaining walls.

Identification
     Member of the bullhead catfish family, the largest such group endemic to North America. Channel catfish are distinguished by scattered dark spots against a light back and side and a deeply forked tail. Long barbels about the mouth, with 4 under the jaw, 2 above, and one on the tip of each maxillary. It varies in color from pale blue to olive on the top and sides with a white belly.

 Range

     Native to Great Lakes southward to the Gulf of Mexico; introduced
throughout the remainder of the U.S. Inhabits deeper areas of large lakes and rivers containing current, sand, gravel, and rocky bottoms.

 Characteristics

     Channel catfish are migratory and travel into the tailwaters and tributaries of impoundments to spawn. They feed mainly at night on nearly all forms of aquatic fish, insects, and shellfish. They are also commonly caught below the discharges of hydroelectric dams, which generate their preferred current and provide a smorgasbord of dismembered fish of which they feed upon.

 Fishing Methods

     This catfish is the species commonly raised commercially on farms because of its high food value. Channel catfish are routinely taken on trot lines, rigs suspended below drifting jugs, and hook and line. Regardless, favored angling spots are wherever current exists, especially below power dams.

 IGFA All-Tackle Record
 58 pounds; W.B. Wahley in 1964 from Santee Cooper, S.C.
 

Layered Catfish Dip

      3 cups water
      1 pound catfish fillets
      12 ounces cream cheese, softened
      2 tablespoons mayonnaise
      2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
      1 tablespoon lemon juice
      dash garlic salt
      1 small onion, chopped
      1 12-ounce bottle chili sauce
      parsley (optional)

 In a large skillet bring water to boil. Add catfish. Return to boil;
 reduce heat. Cover, and simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until
 fish flakes easily. Remove from water. Cool slightly. Flake
 catfish; set aside. In a mixing bowl stir together cream cheese,
 mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and garlic salt.
 Stir in chopped onion. To assemble, spread cheese mixture over
 bottom of a 12-inch plate or shallow serving bowl. Spread chili
 sauce over cheese layer. Top with cooked catfish. Garnish with
 parsley, if desired. Serve with sturdy crackers.

 Makes 12 servings.

 Catfish and 'Kraut Sandwiches

      1 cup cooked, flaked Catfish
      ½ cup well drained Sauerkraut
      ¼ cup chopped Dill Pickles
      ¼ cup Mayonnaise
      1 Tablespoon Horseradish
      12 slices Party Rye Bread
      4-1 ounce slices Swiss Cheese
      2 Tablespoons Margarine

 In mixing bowl, combine fish, sauerkraut, pickles, mayonnaise,
 and horseradish. Mix well. Portion mixture evenly on half the
 bread. Top with cheese. Top with remaining bread. Melt
 margarine in skillet. Place sandwiches in skillet and grill on each
 side until golden brown. Serve with chips or relishes and a cold
 drink.

 Makes 4 servings.