Catfish

Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri waterways offer fantastic catfish opportunities. The Missouri River, of course, is a major draw, holding blues, channels, and flatheads. Focus on areas with current breaks, such as wing dikes and submerged structure. The best time to target these whiskered giants is from late spring through fall, when the water is warmer. Each species behaves differently; channel cats are opportunistic feeders, while flatheads prefer live bait. Blue cats can be caught on cut bait. A practical tip for fishing the Missouri River is to use heavy weights to hold your bait in the strong current and be aware of barge traffic. Also, scout out areas with public access points along the river; many offer good bank fishing opportunities. Remember to check the Missouri Department of Conservation regulations for size and creel limits, as they can vary depending on the species and location.