Blue Catfish

If you're after a hefty blue catfish, Lake Fork near Yantis, Texas is a great place to start. This lake's healthy shad population and ample structure provide excellent forage and habitat for blues. While they can be caught year-round, the cooler months, particularly late fall and winter, often produce the biggest fish. Look for blues congregating in deeper channels and around submerged structure like humps and creek ledges. Cut shad is the bait of choice here. A simple Carolina rig fished on the bottom is a proven method. A local's secret: many target these fish at night around lighted docks and piers. Be aware of the lake's regulations regarding size and possession limits, and always practice catch-and-release for trophy-sized fish to help maintain the quality of this fishery. Several public boat ramps provide convenient access to the lake.