Channel Catfish

If you're heading to Tushka, Oklahoma, for channel catfish, you're in for a treat. This area boasts several smaller lakes and ponds, plus access to the Muddy Boggy River, all holding healthy populations of catfish. Spring and early summer, especially after a good rain that muddies the waters, are prime times. Look for catfish congregating near submerged timber or along the deeper bends of the river. A great local tip: many of the smaller ponds are on private land, so always secure permission before fishing. For the Muddy Boggy, access points are somewhat limited; the Highway 75 bridge crossing provides decent bank fishing. Locals swear by stink baits and cut shad fished on a Carolina rig. The catfish here tend to be on the smaller side, perfect for a family fish fry, but patient anglers can land some real bruisers, especially during the nighttime hours.