Red River Catfishing – Unbelievable Fishing Action

Red River Catfishing Video: James Lindner and Mike Hehner head to the Red River to target giant channel catfish using proven tactics in seasonal locations.

Chasing Giants: Midsummer Catfishing on the Red River of the North

Tucked along the stretch above Grand Forks, North Dakota, the Red River of the North offers one of North America’s premier channel catfish fisheries. James Lindner and his team, seasoned anglers with years of experience chasing everything that swims, return annually to this catfish haven for a good reason—hundreds of pounds of hard-fighting fish in a single day.

During midsummer, the bite on the Red can be absolutely electric, with multiple hookups in a short span. As one fish is released, another rod bends under the weight of another whiskered warrior. Whether you’re a diehard catfish enthusiast or a newcomer looking for an unforgettable trip, this river delivers.

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High Water and Big Canadian Cats

The 2023 season saw unusually high water conditions, which significantly impacted the fishing in a good way. Because the Red River flows north into Lake Winnipeg, those conditions pushed giant Canadian cats upstream, concentrating trophy-class fish well into U.S. waters. As a result, anglers enjoyed access to specimens that typically remain further north—serious fun and serious weight on the end of the line.

Finding the Right Line

Key to success on the Red is understanding catfish positioning relative to water conditions. With elevated flow, fish are often pushed closer to the banks. As the water drops, they move toward the main channel. This makes anchoring or spot-locking on the “right line” essential.

Anglers employ side imaging sonar to locate current breaks, submerged structure, and pods of fish. Once a productive depth is found—whether it’s in the main channel, the transitional slope, or up on a flat—it becomes a replicable pattern. These “lines” become the foundation of a productive day’s fishing, whether you’re anchored near a hole’s tailout or a current bend.

Rigging for Success

The tackle used on the Red River is built for power. A classic catfish rig is the tool of choice:

• 5-ounce no-roll sinker (adjusted for current speed)
• Bead to protect the knot from impact
• Barrel swivel connected to a short 6–8 inch leader
• VMC octopus hook, size 9/0, with long tag ends to ensure durability

The mainline is typically 25 lb test fluorescent mono (Sufix Siege is a favorite), and anglers emphasize that catfish aren’t picky about perfect knots. Functionality over finesse is the name of the game when hauling in 20- to 30-pound river brutes.

Rods and Reels: Power Meets Speed

Different rods serve different purposes on the Red. Both baitcasting and spinning gear are employed, depending on angler preference and situational needs. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Baitcasting setups are ideal for long-distance casting and leverage. Heavy power rods (like an 8′ extra heavy) match well with high-capacity reels such as the Daiwa Lexa Win, geared at 5.1:1 with a large spool to accommodate heavy mono or braid.
• Spinning setups offer speed and ease of use. A 7′ medium-heavy rod paired with a Daiwa Procyon 4000 series reel is ideal. This reel features a large spool, quick line pickup, and buttery drag—essential when a big cat surges under the boat.

Fast-action rod tips are crucial regardless of style, offering precise bite detection and quicker response time when fish load the line and turn downstream.

Hooksets and Hard Pulls

Catfishing isn’t a finesse game—it’s about reaction, strength, and knowing when to drive the hook. Circle hooks often do the work for you, setting themselves as the fish rolls and commits. Fast response and proper positioning in the boat help ensure a clean fight, especially with large cats. A strategic net job—having one angler upstream and one downstream—often seals the deal.

Every fish brought aboard is celebrated, whether it’s a 10-pounder or a 25-pound “thicky,” as the crew affectionately calls them. Wide-bodied, bulldog-strong, and built like aquatic tanks, these channel cats are the reason anglers keep coming back to this stretch of the Red River.

The Average Cat is No Slouch

One of the most unique things about fishing the Red River of the North is the average size of the fish. Here, a “small” channel cat might still tip the scales at 10 pounds. The team regularly wrestles with fish in the upper teens and twenties, and every hookset holds the promise of a true river monster. These fish hit like freight trains and test every inch of gear, technique, and patience.

Hooking into one of these giants often requires a two-man lift to bring it aboard. Their thick, muscular bodies, combined with the current of the Red, make for a thrilling challenge. And while many of them are dark, burly males, others—like the broad, pink-tinted females—are just as memorable.

Boat Control: The Modern Catman’s Edge

Precision boat control is paramount for staying on productive lines in heavy current. Gone are the days of lugging 40-pound anchors around. Modern electric trolling motors like the Minn Kota Terrova, equipped with Spot-Lock, allow anglers to hold position in the main thrust of current, keeping bait in the strike zone without drifting off course.

In shallow water, Minn Kota Talons offer nearly invisible anchoring with zero lateral movement. The combination of these two tools provides total boat control, whether fishing in six feet or sixteen.

Electronics That Change the Game

Sophisticated sonar tools like Humminbird Side Imaging, 2D Sonar, and MEGA Live Imaging elevate modern catfishing to new levels. In this setup, MEGA Live is mounted to the Vantage trolling motor at the rear of the boat—perfect for tiller boats or for those who like to fish from the back deck.

This unique arrangement allows scanning behind the boat where baits are soaking 30 to 60 feet back, helping identify moving fish and active zones. Combined with side imaging and sonar, it provides an all-encompassing view of underwater structure, bait location, and fish movement—critical intel in a current-driven environment.

Red River Mayhem: Doubles and Hookset Madness

The kind of fast-and-furious action found on the Red River is hard to overstate. Doubleheaders are common, and there are times when you simply can’t fish all your rods at once. On this outing, multiple fish hit in quick succession, forcing rapid netting and bait resets.

Interestingly, the crew noted that fish lost during this session were hooked on J-hooks, while every cat landed on circle hooks was pinned perfectly in the corner of the mouth. The takeaway? Use large enough hooks—like a VMC 9/0 circle hook—to accommodate the broad jaw structure of mature catfish. Undersized hooks simply won’t get the job done consistently.

Gear and Tools That Make a Difference

While catching is the fun part, staying efficient on the water requires solid gear. Here are some of the essentials every catfish boat should have:

• Heavy-duty cutting board and bait knife – Ideal for slicing big sucker chunks.
• Pliers and hook disgorgers – For quickly removing hooks from stubborn fish.
• Sharp braid scissors – Precision tools for clean cuts every time.

Even outside of catfishing, these tools make life on the boat easier and more productive.

Rods That Match the Bite

The crew continues to use a mix of baitcasting and spinning rods depending on situation and personal preference. On this outing, spinning rods saw action too—especially handy when a fish charges straight toward the boat. Their fast retrieve and intuitive feel make them a great fit for quick pickups and fighting big cats in close quarters.

And that action doesn’t let up. Even under the midday sun, the bite remains steady. The key? Staying on that productive “line” just off the center of the river channel, often near inside bends with moderate current. This consistent positioning keeps the rods bent and the anglers busy.

The trip even delivered a standout—a particularly large, beautifully colored pink-tinged catfish. These fish, some still showing signs of post-spawn recovery, are stunning in their variety and power. The Red River continues to prove itself as a destination where the average fish is exceptional and the experience unforgettable.