Channel catfish in Southern Ontario besides Dunnville?

[shimano25]

Does anyone here know any other place besides the lower Grand River (Dunnville and Port Maitland) where one can catch good sized channel catfish?

 

[halleb]

I was told good place to try for big catfish is Ottawa River , also in park at Wasaga beach

But I never went there myself but that is what I heard

 

[shimano25]

Thanks. Ottawa River is kinda far. Perhaps I will go up to the Wasaga Beach area.

I thought there would be more experts on channel catfish locations on this forum.

 

[Coreyhkh]

Downtown London Ontario at the forks. Got 3 today.

 

[halleb]

Downtown London Ontario at the forks. Got 3 today.

What size ?

 

[Coreyhkh]

A lot of small ones around 4 pounds but I have got two 10 pounders.

 

[halleb]

A lot of small ones around 4 pounds but I have got two 10 pounders.

That is not bad. What I would like to know - can you catch there some catfish say 15 lb , 20 lb or larger ?

 

[Coreyhkh]

I am sure there are a few but I don't think there are that many.

 

[nikola56]

Hi,
You should try Point Clark I have had lots of success in the past I have got some huge ones out of there upwards of 20+ pounds.

 

[wschinke]

Interesting discussion. I'm originally from Northern Ontario where bullheads (the other "catfish") are super easy to catch, but channel cats aren't even available. They sound like a great game fish: big, strong and tasty. Any tips on targeting them in general? I've heard from some friends that big circle hooks with dead bait near bottom and heavy duty rod/reel/line are a good start. As far as I know spring time fishing (spawning time) is a lot more productive for shore fishermen. Any tips on locating them in the summer?

 

[Symmetre]

Saugeen is always good in the summer. Its easy fishing, just use worms and pretend you're fishing for rainbows. Most are 3 - 5 pounds, some are bigger.

 

[wschinke]

Saugeen is always good in the summer. Its easy fishing, just use worms and pretend you're fishing for rainbows. Most are 3 - 5 pounds, some are bigger.

Really eh? Drift pools with a float and worm instead of just leaving a weight with a worm on a leader?

 

[Symmetre]

Really eh? Drift pools with a float and worm instead of just leaving a weight with a worm on a leader?

You can use floats, for sure. You get some smallies mixed in with the cats, not big but maybe 1 - 2 pounds. That's always a treat.

The first rapids is always pretty dependable in summer. You get them at Dennys Dam too but less of them, most are at first rapids or the big bend. Easy fishing, and lots of fun catching them in waders. Just be careful wading, those rocks are like freaking teflon!

 

[Leafnut67]

The big cats dont move in to the Saugeen until water temps get to 58 - 60f. I like areas nearer the mouth on the north side, there is a little parking lot that you drive down to the rivers edge. A gob of worms or some chicken livers tied on a 2.0 hook with spider thread will do the trick. Anywhere in that lower section is good, pretty much common knowledge around there so dont anybody freak out.....lol