Channel Catfish

Hooks, Texas offers some fantastic channel catfish action, particularly in the Red River. This waterway provides a diverse habitat, from swift currents to calmer backwaters, supporting a healthy population of channel cats. Spring and summer are peak seasons, especially after periods of rain when the river rises and washes new food sources into the water. Look for channel cats near submerged structure, such as fallen trees and rock piles. Public access is available at various points along the river, though some areas require a bit of a hike. A great local tip is to use stink baits or cut bait fished on a Carolina rig near deeper holes or along the channel edges. Another option is to try drift fishing with worms or minnows. While you won't find as many monster-sized channel cats as you might elsewhere, the Red River offers consistent action and a good chance at landing fish in the 2-5 pound range, with larger specimens possible.