Best Spots to Catch Catfish at Night in Rivers & Lakes

In this article, we’ll cover four prime locations where catfish hide after sunset, letting you catch more and bigger catfish after dark.

For the best chance of catching catfish at night, target riverbanks with submerged logs and rocky bottoms. In lakes, explore deep holes, submerged structures, and areas with underwater vegetation.

three nice catfish — I caught these 3 flatheads (biggest was about 15 pounds) right before sunset on cut dead bluegills as bait.

Table: Best Spots for Catfish After Dark

Catfish Type	Lake Locations	River Locations	Preferred Features
Channel Catfish	– Near shorelines with submerged logs	– In river channels	– Submerged logs
	– Around weed beds	– Near riverbank structures	– Rocky bottoms
	– Near coves and inlets	– Beneath overhanging trees	– Vegetation and aquatic cover
	– In deeper holes	– Along bends in the river	– Access to deeper water
Flathead Catfish	– In deeper sections with structure	– Near deep holes and structures	– Sunken trees and fallen logs
	– Around underwater boulders	– Along underwater drop-offs	– Submerged rocks and rocky bottoms
	– Near sunken trees and stumps	– In eddies and slackwater areas	– Large holes and deeper river sections
Blue Catfish	– In deep holes and river bends	– Near confluence of rivers	– Deep holes and channels
	– Along channels with swift currents	– Beneath bridges and docks	– Strong currents and moving water
	– In deep sections of reservoirs	– Near underwater structures	– Underwater structures, such as bridge pilings and submerged trees

Finding & Catching Catfish After Dark

Throughout the day, catfish move to different locations based on temperature and light conditions. During daylight hours, they often seek refuge in deeper waters with more cover to avoid bright sunlight, while at night, they become more active and move towards shallower areas where they can hunt for prey in the cover of darkness.

Sunset to Dusk

Catfish transition from their deeper daytime hideouts to shallower waters as the sun sets and dusk approaches. This period offers a prime opportunity to catch catfish as they become more active during this twilight phase.

Scented Baits: During sunset to dusk, catfish rely heavily on their sense of smell. Use scented baits like chicken livers, shad, or specially formulated stink baits.
Still Fishing: Set up your fishing rig in areas where catfish are transitioning from deep to shallow waters. Cast your bait near underwater structures, fallen trees, or vegetation, as catfish tend to explore these areas during twilight.

Night

Throughout the night, catfish are generally more active and likely to roam in search of prey. Prime spots for night catfishing include the shallows near drop-offs, underwater structures, and areas with a steady food supply. Utilizing tactics such as scent-based lures and still fishing can increase your chances of success during the darkest hours.

Bottom Fishing: Set up your gear for bottom fishing during the night. Catfish often feed near the bottom, so use a sliding sinker rig to keep your bait close to the substrate where catfish are likely to search for food.
Prepared Bait Stations: Create bait stations with a mix of your preferred catfish baits. Place these strategically in areas with underwater cover, such as submerged logs or rock formations. Catfish will be drawn to these bait stations throughout the night. Ensure legality in your jurisdiction before trying.

Midnight

Midnight catfishing can be an intriguing pursuit. Catfish may move to shallower waters, especially in areas with sufficient underwater cover and baitfish presence.

Moonlight Fishing: Utilize the natural illumination provided by the moon. Catfish are known to be more active under moonlit conditions. Choose open water areas with some moonlight and cast your baited hooks accordingly.
Nocturnal Lures: Experiment with glow-in-the-dark lures or baited hooks with LED lights to attract catfish in the darkness. These can be particularly effective during midnight catfishing.

Dawn until Sunrise

In the pre-dawn hours, catfish are known to be particularly active. They move closer to the shallows to feed before the sun rises, making this an excellent time for anglers to target them. Focus on areas with underwater structures or vegetation that catfish use as ambush points.

Live Bait: In the early morning hours, catfish are actively hunting. Try using live bait such as minnows or worms, as they can create irresistible movement and vibrations in the water to attract catfish.
Jug Fishing: Set up jug lines with live bait in areas where catfish are known to be active during dawn. These floating lines can cover a broader range and increase your chances of catching catfish during this time.

Artificial Light Test for Catfish

To better understand the preferences of catfish at night, we experimented in a private pond stocked with channel catfish. We tested four different artificial fishing lights in colors—blue, green, white, and no light—as attractants and assessed their impact on catfish behavior and catch rates.

Test:

Four Zones: We divided the pond into four zones, each equipped with a different light color (blue, green, white, and no light control). Each zone was roughly the same depth and had the same features. We rotated lights to various zones to ensure each color was tested in each zone at least once.
Data Collection: We recorded the number of catfish attracted to each zone over several nights and the number of fish caught. We all used cut shad about 3″ inches wide as bait.

Results:

Blue Light: Blue light attracted the highest number of catfish, and we observed increased catfish activity in this zone.
Green Light: Green light also showed promising results, with many catfish drawn to this zone.
White Light: White light attracted some catfish but was less effective than blue and green.
No Light Control: The no-light zone had the lowest catfish activity and catch rates.

Conclusion: Our experiment suggests that blue and green lights are very effective in attracting catfish at night, leading to more bites.

Click here to learn the best locations to catch catfish both day and night. Click here to learn the best locations to catch catfish during the daytime, from dawn until sunset.

Seasonal Guide: Nighttime Spots

January-February

Features: Look for underwater structures like fallen trees, rocks, and deep holes.
Depths: Catfish often stay in deeper waters during the winter months.
Location: Fish in the deeper sections of lakes and slow-moving river pools.

March-April

Features: As waters begin to warm, catfish may move to shallow areas with rocky bottoms.
Depths: Transition from deeper to shallower waters as the weather warms.
Location: Fish along the edges of lakes or rivers, particularly near submerged vegetation.

May-June

Features: Catfish may seek out weed beds and aquatic vegetation.
Depths: They start moving to shallower waters.
Location: Fish in areas with good cover, such as coves, inlets, and near structures.

July-August

Features: Catfish may be found near submerged rocks and logs.
Depths: They often stay in shallower waters during the summer.
Location: Fish in the shallows, especially near shorelines and rocky areas.

September-October

Features: Catfish may move to areas with deeper holes.
Depths: Begin transitioning to deeper waters as temperatures cool.
Location: Fish in the deeper parts of lakes and river channels.

November-December

Features: Catfish are drawn to deep holes and underwater structures.
Depths: They stay in deeper waters as winter approaches.
Location: Focus on the deepest sections of lakes and slow-moving river pools.

Moon Phases & Impacts on Where Catfish Move

Here’s a guide on how different moon phases can affect where you find catfish, their preferred features, depths, and where to look for them in lakes and rivers:

New Moon Phase (No Moonlight)

Features: Catfish are more likely to venture into shallower waters with cover.
Depths: They move to mid-depth levels.
Location: Look for catfish near shorelines, submerged structures, and weed beds, where they can hunt under the cover of darkness.

First Quarter Moon Phase (Partial Moonlight)

Features: Catfish start exploring areas with rocky bottoms and submerged logs.
Depths: They remain in mid-depth areas.
Location: Fish near the edges of lakes or rivers, particularly close to underwater structures.

Full Moon Phase (Bright Moonlight)

Features: Catfish often move to deeper holes and underwater structures.
Depths: They tend to stay in deeper waters.
Location: Focus on the deepest sections of lakes and river channels, as catfish may be less active in bright moonlight.

Last Quarter Moon Phase (Partial Moonlight)

Features: Catfish return to exploring rocky bottoms and logs.
Depths: They continue to stay in mid-depth areas.
Location: Fish along shorelines and areas with good cover, where catfish can hunt with some moonlight.

Nighttime Bait Selection

Table: Best Nighttime Catfish Baits

Bait	Best Size	Recommended Hook	Best Rig	Best Location
Shad (Alive)	4-6 inches	Circle Hook (2/0-4/0)	Carolina Rig	Near rocky structures and logs
Shad (Dead)	4-6 inches	Circle Hook (2/0-4/0)	Slip Sinker Rig	In deep holes and river bends
Bluegill	3-5 inches	Circle Hook (2/0-4/0)	Slip Bobber Rig	Near submerged vegetation
Bullheads	4-7 inches	Circle Hook (3/0-5/0)	Santee Cooper Rig	In river channels and drop-offs
Nightcrawlers	4-6 inches	J Hook (2-4)	Slip Sinker Rig	Sandy or muddy bottoms
Hot Dogs	Bite-sized	Treble Hook (6-8)	Slip Sinker Rig	Underwater structures
Chicken Liver	Bite-sized	Treble Hook (4-6)	Carolina Rig	In slow-moving water
Shiners	2-4 inches	Circle Hook (1/0-3/0)	Slip Sinker Rig	In open water and lake edges

Note:

Use circle hooks for live baits to minimize gut hooking and improve catch-and-release success.
Adjust bait size based on the average size of catfish in your area.
Carolina rigs work well for covering larger areas, while slip sinker rigs effectively target specific spots.
Experiment with different baits and locations to find what works best in your local waters.

Pro Tips for Finding Catfish Throughout the Night

Seek Out Thermoclines: Catfish are often found near thermoclines, distinct temperature gradients in the water. These areas can create a comfortable environment for catfish, as they can find the right balance of warmth and oxygen.
Warm Water Inflows: Look for areas where warmer water enters the body of water you’re fishing in. Catfish may gather near these inflows, as they offer a source of warmth and can attract baitfish.
Temperature Variations: Pay attention to subtle temperature changes. Catfish are sensitive to temperature shifts and may move to different depths to find the optimal temperature for feeding.
Use a Fish Finder: Invest in a fish finder that can help you locate temperature gradients in the water. These devices can be valuable for pinpointing catfish hotspots.
Consider Seasonal Variations: Recognize that temperature preferences can change with the seasons. In colder months, catfish may prefer slightly warmer waters; in the summer, they may move to cooler, deeper areas.
Early and Late Temperature Changes: Catfish are more active during temperature transitions. Fishing during the early evening or just before dawn when temperatures shift can be productive.
Nighttime Surface Temperature: Measure the surface water temperature at night with a thermometer. This can help you identify areas where catfish might be congregating.
Deep Hole Monitoring: If you know of deep holes in your fishing area, track how their temperature changes throughout the day. Based on these shifts, catfish may move up or down in the water column.
Thermal Layers: Look for thermal layers, areas with a distinct temperature change. Catfish may use these layers to their advantage.

Locations for Nighttime Cats

Riverbanks: Fish along riverbanks where catfish often patrol for food at night.
Overhanging Trees: Look for spots where trees or branches hang over the water, providing shelter and ambush points for catfish.
Docks and Piers: Catfish may gather near docks and piers, especially where lights attract baitfish.
Deep Holes: Target deep holes in rivers and lakes, where catfish seek refuge during the day and venture out to feed at night.
Rocky Bottoms: Fish near rocky bottoms or gravel beds, as catfish use these areas to hunt for crayfish and small fish.
Weed Beds: Locate weed beds and aquatic vegetation where catfish can hide and ambush prey.
Bridge Pilings: Under bridges, the pilings provide cover for catfish, making them popular nighttime haunts.
Culverts and Drain Pipes: Catfish may gather near culverts and drain pipes where water flows and brings food.
Stumps and Fallen Trees: Check areas with submerged stumps and fallen trees, as these create natural hideouts for catfish.
Boulder Fields: Fish around boulder fields on the riverbed where catfish can find shelter and food.
Inflow and Outflow Areas: Catfish often congregate near inflow and outflow areas of ponds and lakes where water movement stirs up prey.
Eddies: Look for eddies or circular currents in the water, as catfish use these to conserve energy while waiting for food to drift by.
Channel Edges: Fish along the edges of channels or riverbeds, where catfish patrol for food coming downstream.
Muddy Banks: In areas with muddy banks, catfish may come close to shore to hunt for worms and insects that come out at night.
Underwater Bends: Focus on areas with sharp underwater bends in the river, as these create ideal ambush points for catfish.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, successfully finding and catching catfish after dark hinges on understanding their behavior and adapting your strategy accordingly.

Timing Matters: Catfish move to different locations throughout the night, becoming more active at sunset and during the pre-dawn hours. These transition periods offer prime opportunities for angling success.

Moon Phase Influence: The moon’s phases significantly impact catfish behavior. Learning how different phases affect their preferences for locations, depths, and features can be a game-changer.

Bait Selection: Choosing the right bait, such as shad, bluegill, or chicken liver, along with the appropriate hook and rig, can make a substantial difference in your catfishing success.

Temperature Matters: Pay attention to temperature gradients and variations in the water. Catfish are sensitive to these changes and may shift their positions accordingly.

Location Insights: Knowing where to find catfish at night, whether along riverbanks, near submerged structures, or in deep holes, is crucial for successful nocturnal angling.