Catfish

In Nebraska lakes, catfish—especially channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish—are commonly found in deep holes, near structure, and along the bottom where they search for food.

  • Use stink bait, cut bait, worms, or chicken liver, and fish near the bottom using a slip sinker rig. Fishing is usually best in the evening, at night, or early morning, especially during the warm summer months.

  • Catfish in Nebraska—especially channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish—spawn in late spring to early summer, typically when water temperatures reach 70–85°F (21–29°C). This usually happens between late May and early July, depending on weather and location.

  • Popular Nebraska Catfish Lakes:

    • Branched Oak Lake – One of the top catfish spots in the state

    • Sherman Reservoir – Known for large flatheads and channel catfish

    • Pawnee Lake, Bluestem Lake, and Harlan County Reservoir – All offer good catfishing from shore or boat

A young man with a black cap, gray t-shirt, and tattoo on his right arm is smiling while holding a fishing rod with a fish he caught in a green, wooded area near a body of water.