Channel Catfish

Orrick, Missouri, and the surrounding waterways are excellent for targeting channel catfish. The Missouri River, along with smaller rivers and creeks in the area, teem with these whiskered predators. Catfish thrive in the warmer months, so aim for late spring through early fall for the best action. Focus on areas with structure – submerged logs, rocky bottoms, and deep holes are catfish magnets. A great access point is the public boat ramp on the Missouri River just outside of town. For bait, you can't go wrong with stink baits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers. A local's secret is to use shad – readily available in the river – as cut bait. These catfish aren't particularly picky, but a strong current can sometimes make it difficult to present your bait properly, so heavier weights are often necessary. Be prepared for some hefty fish; the Missouri River is known for producing some real trophy channel cats.