Channel Catfish

Jasper, Missouri, offers some fantastic channel catfish opportunities, particularly in the Spring River and its tributaries. What sets this location apart is the relatively undeveloped nature of the waterways; expect less pressure than you'd find closer to larger metropolitan areas. The best time to target catfish here is late spring through early fall, with the spawn in late May and June kicking off some aggressive feeding. Focus on areas with current breaks, such as fallen trees or rock piles. A local tip: many anglers have success fishing below the dam at Carthage, but be mindful of water levels and potential for rapid changes. Also, don't overlook using cut bait from locally sourced sunfish or shad; the catfish here seem to have a real preference for it. The Spring River catfish are known for their good size and fight, so be prepared for a good battle!