Channel Catfish

If you're looking for some whiskered action near Bethlehem, Georgia, the channel catfish opportunities in the Apalachee River and nearby smaller lakes are well worth exploring. The Apalachee offers decent bank fishing access in certain areas, but a small boat or kayak will really open up your options to find those deeper holes where catfish congregate, especially during the warmer months. Spring and early summer, when the catfish are spawning, are particularly productive, as they move into shallower areas to nest. Try targeting areas near submerged timber or rocky outcroppings with live or cut bait. A local tip: check water levels before you head out, as heavy rains can make the river muddy and difficult to fish. The catfish in this area tend to be good eaters, averaging a few pounds, though larger specimens are certainly possible. Don't overlook the smaller, unnamed ponds in the area; some hold surprisingly large catfish that see very little fishing pressure.