Catfish in rivers, particularly channel and blue cats, gather in dam tailwaters during upstream spawning migrations in spring. When the water temperature reaches 70 degrees, these fish leave deep wintering holes and swim upriver looking for spawning cavities (often in smaller tributaries) in which females lay eggs that are guarded by male catfish.

We know this from studies of catfish implanted with radio transmitters. In Nebraska’s Platte River, for example, 54 percent of channel catfish moved upstream in spring an average of 11.5 river miles, with a range of 1.2 to 30.1 river miles. Blue catfish are even more mobile, with migrations often spanning several hundred miles. (Flatheads exhibit little movement.)

Key In On Tailwaters For Spring Through Summer Cat Success!

Before dams were built, the only things interrupting these spawning runs were natural barriers such as shoals and log jams. Today, however, these catfish often are shortstopped by dams. 

This wouldn’t concern anglers if spawning was all cats had on their minds. Upon encountering a dam, the fish simply would turn back to find spawning grounds downstream. But that’s not the case. With these fish, eating precedes breeding. Female cats produce more eggs if they are well fed. And male catfish feed little, if at all, while protecting their nests, so they gorge before beginning guard duty. For these reasons, catfish are preoccupied with stuffing their guts this season. And at every dam on every river, there’s a banquet awaiting them.

Schooling baitfish such as shad, herring and goldeyes are especially plentiful in many tailwaters. Other favored cat foods are abundant, too, including (depending on the locale) crayfish, carp, chubs, sunfish, alewives, ciscoes, minnows and small catfish.

Most catfish remain in the tailwater for days or weeks, gorging round-the-clock on the irresistible feast. But in the end, nature can’t be ignored. Cats eventually move downriver to spawning areas. As some leave the tailwater, however, others arrive. And if conditions remain good, if water flow is ample to maintain high oxygen levels and attract plentiful forage animals, catfish that left will return after spawning, staying as long as they’re comfortable and well fed. Thus, tailwater catfishing remains excellent from late spring through summer.