Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are a reliable target in the Ocilla, Georgia area, and the Alapaha River is your best bet. While not a trophy fishery, the Alapaha holds a healthy population of channel cats, perfect for a relaxing day of fishing. Spring and summer are generally the most productive times, especially after a rain when the river is slightly stained. Look for them around submerged logs, undercut banks, and deeper holes. Chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercial stink baits are all effective baits. A good local tip is to use a slip bobber rig to keep your bait just off the bottom, especially in areas with heavy vegetation. The public access point near US 82 provides easy access to the river. Don't overlook the smaller creeks that feed into the Alapaha, as these can also hold good numbers of channel cats.