When the leaves turn golden and most anglers are packing up their boats, fall catfishing on the Upper Mississippi River is just heating up. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to find, bait, and catch channel catfish as the water cools down. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned river rat, this simple approach to cold-water catfishing delivers results.
Why Fall is Prime Time for Channel Catfish
There’s a narrow but highly productive window in late fall when channel catfish stack into specific locations. As water temperatures dip below 50°F, catfish begin to abandon shallow flats and summer log jams to concentrate in deep, slow-moving holes.
This seasonal transition makes fall one of the best times to catch high numbers of fish with very little guesswork. Even better, you’ll rarely have competition. With most anglers chasing deer or winterizing their boats, fall catfish spots are wide open. 
Where to Find Fall Catfish on Rivers
The first step to fall catfishing success is locating the deepest water you can find in a given stretch of river.
On our Upper Mississippi outing, we ran several miles through shallow, 4- to 6-foot water until we found a deep, 30-foot corner bend, and it was absolutely stacked. In late fall, depth equals life for catfish.
Top Locations to Target:
- Deep outside bends in the river
- Holes near bridge pilings or wing dams
- Downstream edges of log jams
- Deep pools near confluences or tributary mouths
Use a quality map chip or side imaging sonar to locate abrupt depth changes, and trust your electronics. If you see big marks stacked near the bottom, you’re in the right place.
The Simple Fall Catfish Setup
One of the best things about fall catfishing is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy rods, elaborate rigs, or a dozen different baits. Here’s what works:
Rod & Reel:
- Medium-heavy or heavy action rod (7’ to 8’)
- Baitcasting reel or large spinning reel
- 20–30 lb mono or braid
Rig:
- Sliding sinker rig (Carolina rig style)
- 1 to 3 oz egg sinker
- Swivel and 18–24″ leader
- 3/0 to 5/0 circle or octopus hook
Technique:
- Anchor your boat just upstream of a deep hole
- Cast your bait behind the boat and let it sit
- Use rod holders and wait for that signature “thump-thump” as a cat grabs it and runs
Best Catfish Baits for Fall (and How to Use Them)
At this time of year, water is cold, so catfish are using their powerful sense of smell more than ever. That means cut bait reigns supreme.
Top Bait Choices:
- Cut sucker: The go-to for late fall. Durable, oily, and naturally found in northern rivers.
- Nightcrawlers: Especially effective for smaller channel cats.
- Dip/stink baits: Less common in cold water, but can work in the right spot.
Cut your bait into 1–2 inch chunks and hook it once through the meat. Let the scent do the work. Cast it out and don’t move it. The smell will drift downstream, drawing fish in like a bloodhound on a trail.
Pro Tip: Let your bait soak at least 15–20 minutes. If no bites, move to the next hole. Don’t waste time where they aren’t.
Don’t Sleep on Fall Catfish
Fall catfishing is a hidden gem in the Midwest. While others chase deer or stay indoors, you can be hauling in big, hard-fighting channel cats from deep river holes with a simple rig and some fresh cut bait.
Here’s all you need to remember:
- Find deep water bends and holes.
- Use fresh, stinky bait (cut sucker is king).
- Keep your bait still and let the scent do the work.
- Enjoy the slow pace! Catfishing is as much about the company as the catch.
If you’ve never tried fall catfishing, now is the perfect time. The water’s cold, the cats are stacked, and the river’s all yours.
FAQs: Fall Catfishing Quick Tips
What’s the best time of day to fish for fall catfish?
Afternoon into early evening — slightly warmer temps help activate the bite.
Can you eat channel catfish from rivers?
Yes, especially in clean northern rivers. Cooler water = cleaner taste.
How long should you stay in one spot?
15–30 minutes. If you don’t get a bite, move to the next hole.
