Blue Catfish

If you're after a Blue Catfish near Perkins, Oklahoma, head to the nearby Stillwater Creek or the Cimarron River. These waterways offer the slow-moving, murky waters that blues prefer. While you can catch blues year-round, the warmer months, especially late spring and summer, are generally the most productive. Use cut bait – shad or skipjack herring if you can get it – fished on the bottom with a Carolina rig. Look for deeper holes, bends in the river, and areas around submerged timber. Be prepared for some bank fishing, as boat access can be limited in some stretches. Local knowledge suggests focusing on areas downstream from bridge crossings, where erosion often creates deeper pockets that attract catfish. Be aware of changing river conditions after rainfall, as the Cimarron can rise quickly.