10 Best Summer Catfishing Tips:
Learn How to catch more Catfish This year
1. Fish Early Morning or Late Evening
One of the best summer catfishing tips is to fish during low-light hours. As the water warms up, catfish feed most actively just after sunrise and again as the sun goes down. These cooler times of day, typically between 5:30AM to 9:00AM and 6:30PM to 9:00AM, draw them into the shallows where they search for baitfish, insects, or anything edible. Try casting near shoreline cover, rocky points, or creek mouths. Getting out there early in the morning or sticking around until evening can be the key to turning a slow trip into a successful one.
2. Target Deep Holes in the Heat of the Day
Midday heat can push even the hungriest catfish into deeper, cooler water. One of the most effective summer catfishing tips is to focus on deep holes, sunken creek beds, drop-offs, or areas below dams where water flows stronger. These locations hold more oxygen and stay cooler, making them ideal for catfish to hang out during the hottest parts of the day. Use heavier sinkers to keep your bait in place and give the fish a little extra time to find it. If you’re fishing from a boat, a fish finder can help you locate these deeper zones.
3. Use Strong-Scented Baits
Scent travels quickly in warm water, and catfish rely heavily on it to find food. That’s why one of the most important summer catfishing tips is to use strong-smelling bait. Chicken liver, cut bait like shad or bluegill, shrimp, and dip baits work well in the heat. You can also soak your bait in garlic or commercial scent attractants to boost its drawing power. The goal is to create a scent trail that catfish can follow from far away.
4. Don’t Overlook Shallow Flats at Night
After the sun goes down and the water begins to cool, catfish often move into shallow areas to feed. Flats, coves, and the edges of weed beds become hot spots for nighttime action. One of the most useful summer catfishing tips is to keep things simple and quiet when fishing shallow water at night. Even large catfish will move in close to shore, so make sure you’re set up in an area with structure or soft bottom. Using a headlamp and listening for movement on the surface can give away the presence of nearby fish.
5. Switch to Circle Hooks
Circle hooks are ideal for catfishing in the summer. They help prevent deep hooking and make catch and release easier. One of the smartest summer catfishing tips is to let the fish hook itself. Instead of yanking the rod, simply reel in when you feel pressure. The hook will slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth naturally. Start with sizes between 4/0 and 8/0 depending on the type of bait you’re using and the size of the catfish you’re targeting.
We recommend using Mustad hooks due to their reliability, you can get them HERE.
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6. Stay Mobile—Don’t Sit Too Long
It’s easy to get comfortable in one spot, but staying mobile can help you catch more fish. If you’re not getting bites within 20 to 30 minutes, try a different location. This could mean moving deeper, closer to structure, or adjusting your bait. One of the most effective summer catfishing tips is to stay active and keep searching until you find where the fish are holding. Bank anglers especially should scout a few backup spots before setting up.
7. Match the Size of Your Bait to the Conditions
In hot weather, catfish may feed more frequently but on smaller meals. Using smaller bait chunks can actually lead to more bites. Try pieces of cut bait, chicken liver, or shrimp about the size of your thumb. If you’re targeting trophy catfish, you can still use larger baits, but one of the more reliable summer catfishing tips is to keep your bait size manageable for the average eater-sized fish that are more active during summer.
8. Use a Slip Sinker Rig
A slip sinker rig is one of the most versatile and effective setups for summer catfishing. It allows catfish to pick up the bait and swim off without feeling immediate resistance, which is especially important when they’re feeding cautiously. Use a sliding egg sinker above a swivel, followed by a short leader and your baited hook. This rig also makes bite detection easier—your rod tip will bounce freely with the fish’s movements before a strong pulldown. It’s great for both still and moving water.
9. Look for Current and Oxygen-Rich Areas
Warm summer water holds less oxygen, and catfish will naturally seek out spots where they can breathe and feed comfortably. Look for moving water—like where a creek enters a lake, dam outflows, or areas with noticeable current. These spots bring in cooler, oxygen-rich water and often carry baitfish, making them prime feeding grounds. Avoid stagnant backwaters or ponds with heavy algae, where oxygen levels are low and fish activity drops off dramatically.
10. Stay Hydrated and Pack Smart
Summer fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about staying safe and comfortable too. Bring plenty of cold water, wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Keep your bait in a cooler or shaded container to prevent spoilage. Also, consider using a portable fan, cooling towel, or umbrella if you’re planning to stay in one spot for hours. A smart, well-prepped angler can outlast the heat and stay focused when the bite turns on.
Following these summer catfishing tips can make all the difference in hot-weather fishing. From fishing deeper during the day to using stronger baits and timing your trips right, applying these simple techniques will help you catch more catfish this year. For even more helpful tips, check out all of our fishing resources in one place.
💡Takeaways
📌Fish at Sunrise and Sunset
One of the best summer catfishing tips is to fish during low-light hours. Catfish feed aggressively at dawn and dusk, especially in shallow areas near cover. Plan your trip early or late to catch more fish when they’re most active.📌Go Deep During the Heat
When temperatures soar, catfish head to cooler, deeper water. Drop-offs, creek channels, and dam outflows are prime spots. Use a fish finder or weighted rigs to reach bottom-holding catfish in the midday heat.📌Use Strong-Scented Baits
Catfish rely on smell more than sight—especially in summer. Use stink baits, chicken liver, shrimp, or cut bait like shad. Soaking your bait in garlic or scent attractant helps draw catfish from a distance in warm water.📌Fish Shallow Flats After Dark
At night, catfish often move into shallow flats and coves to hunt. One underrated summer catfishing tactic is night fishing close to shorelines, weed edges, or soft-bottom flats with minimal light or noise.📌Switch to Circle Hooks for Better Hookups
Using circle hooks increases your catch rate and makes catch-and-release easier. Catfish often hook themselves as they swim off—no need for a hard hookset. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers.📌Stay Mobile and Change Spots Often
Don’t wait too long in one place. If you’re not getting bites in 20–30 minutes, move to another location. Catfish roam in search of food during summer, so active scouting is key to success.📌Match Bait Size to Summer Conditions
In warm weather, catfish often prefer smaller meals. Use bait pieces about the size of your thumb to increase bites. Save large chunks for targeting trophy catfish only.📌Use a Slip Sinker Rig to Trigger More Bites
One of the most effective rigs for catching summer catfish is the slip sinker rig. It lets fish pick up bait without feeling resistance, increasing your chance of a natural bite and hookset.📌Look for Current and Oxygen-Rich Water
Summer catfish gather where oxygen is higher—near moving water, incoming creeks, or below dams. Avoid still or algae-filled areas. Flowing water also brings in baitfish, making it a feeding zone.📌Stay Safe and Beat the Summer Heat
Fishing in summer requires preparation. Bring plenty of water, wear UV-protective gear, use sunscreen, and store bait in a shaded cooler. Comfort equals focus—and focus helps you catch more catfish.
Faq
What is the best bait for catfish in the summer?
The best summer catfish baits are strong-scented and natural. Top choices include chicken liver, cut bait (like shad or bluegill), shrimp, and prepared stink baits. These baits release powerful scent trails in warm water, which attracts catfish from a distance.
How to catch catfish on a hot day?
To catch catfish on a hot day, fish deeper water during midday when fish retreat to cooler zones. Use strong-smelling baits and rigs like the slip sinker rig to present your bait naturally. Focus on shaded areas, drop-offs, or near current where oxygen levels are higher.
What is the best time of day to catch catfish in the summer?
The best times to catch catfish in summer are early morning (just before and after sunrise) and late evening into the night. During these cooler hours, catfish are more active in the shallows and feed more aggressively.
How deep do catfish go in the summer?
In hot weather, catfish often move to depths of 10 to 25 feet or more—especially in lakes and reservoirs. They look for cooler, oxygen-rich water around underwater ledges, channels, and deep holes during the heat of the day.
What time do catfish bite the most?
Catfish bite most during dusk, night, and early dawn. These low-light periods are when they leave deeper areas to hunt in the shallows. Flatheads and channel catfish are especially known for active nighttime feeding.
Will catfish bite in 100-degree weather?
Yes, catfish will still bite in extreme heat, but your strategy matters. In 100-degree weather, fish early, late, or at night, and target deep, shaded, or moving water where oxygen levels are higher. Using strong-smelling bait is key to getting their attention.
Jesse Earl – Author
Jesse Earl is a passionate freshwater angler and the founder of Reel Activities. When he’s not testing gear or writing how-to guides, you’ll find him exploring hidden lakes, chasing walleye, or casting from the shoreline with a cup of gas station coffee in hand.
