Fly Fishing for Channel Catfish

Growing up I used to think fly fishing was a mysterious art that would be beyond my skill level. In a way, it’s true. Aside from catching fish, conceptually many aspects of fly fishing are different. However I always liked trying new things. I bought a fly rod and tried casting in the park. I definitely got a lot of strange looks from other people in my practicing sessions. I had no mentor but YouTube can teach you anything if you’re willing. Eventually I started fly fishing for stocked trout. It was definitely hard trying not to fall back to my spinning gear. I did gain an appreciation for fly fishing. Flies can land on the water very stealthily and the slow sinking flies could stay in the strike zone for a long time.

Now onto the fly fishing for catfish.

Equipment

I consider myself an amateur fly angler. I have tied very few flies myself and my casting still needs work. Though the setup for fly fishing for catfish is not that sophisticated.

My current setup is a 8wt rod and reel spooled with floating line. Though Manitoba channel cats can be very powerful and the current can be strong so using 9wt or 10wt rods are more advisable. I then use a leader of 17lb mono to connect to the end of the fly line. Catfish are typically on bottom so there needs to be way to get your fly to the bottom, especially if there is current. You could use sinking lines, however a quick way to sink the flies to clamp on a tiny split shot. It might take some experimenting to determine what the setup should be.

As for flies, it can be pretty basic. All I use are olive or black woolly buggers but many other flies will work. The flies aren’t very big at all, in fact they are often the same ones that I use for stocked trout. Expect to lose a few flies every outing due to the rock bottoms that catfish love. So I typically order bulk woolly buggers from Amazon.

Waders are often needed for this type of fishing so be sure to bring a pair. I find nets are not required as if you can get a catfish into the shallows they can be tailed like a salmon.

The Water

The Red River in Manitoba is considered to be the indisputably best channel catfish fishery in all of Canada. The best thing about it is that people from Winnipeg (like myself) can access this fishery within a half an hour drive. The main focus of this article will be around the town of Lockport, Manitoba.

Lockport is where most people target catfish. The Lockport Dam was built to control the water levels as the Red River basin is prone to flooding. Water fluctuation plays a large role in deciding where to fish. Often when there is high water in the spring the Red River floodway is where most anglers flock. Around where the floodway meets the main channel has very shallow water where a pair of waders can be a very useful asset.

During low water levels, the floodway will have very little water so the main channel can be fished. On the east side of the Red River beside the Lockport Heritage Park, there is shallow water than can be waded in. Be mindful of the restricted area for Pelican Conservation (see the Manitoba Anglers Guide).

Fly Fishing for Catfish

Overall fly fishing the Red River at Lockport is probably the easiest fly fishing that can be done in Manitoba. Not only are there catfish but freshwater drum, common carp and goldeye that are often caught as bycatch. I like to strip inch by inch after letting the fly sink a few feet. All these fish (except goldeyes) can put up a strong fight. Catfish will hit your fly like a freight train so don’t be surprised if a lot of line is pulled out initially. With a good drag, calmly take your time until they get into the shallows. During the fight I walk over to ankle deep water and guide the catfish onto the shore. When I feel it has calmed down enough, I grab it by the tail. When carrying at big fish, be sure to support the main body to prevent damage to its internal organs.

Overall the best times to fish for channel catfish would be in the spring or the fall. When the water temperatures rise, it becomes difficult for fly fishermen to target them. Catfish seem to prefer overcast days in my experience.

Final Words

Overall I had a lot of fun fly fishing for catfish. While in Lockport, I got to meet many fly fishing enthusiasts who helped me. It’s an easy and quick trip to do when you don’t have a lot of time or money. Best of all you don’t have to get your hands dirty cutting up bait. Catfish may not always have the same prestige as salmon or trout to fly fishers but to me they’re what makes Manitoba unique.