Big Otter Creek: Catfish 101, and other species?

[OldTimer]

(06-07-2016 08:25 AM)tweedwolfscream Wrote:  So my friend acquired a trailer in a campground on Big Otter Creek between Port Burwell and Vienna. He's not really an angler but has a license and wants to try, with my help. I'm going there for the first time this weekend. So I have a two-part question:

#1, if anyone knows, what species are abundant there? I've gathered there are trout/salmon runs during the spawn, and resident catfish (channels I'm assuming?) that stay all summer? Any other game fishes?

#2, assuming I'm right about the channel cats, that's probably what we'll be trying for this weekend. And I have absolutely zero experience even trying for them, so I need a little Catfish 101. I've seen a lot of contradictory info online about best techniques, but I know there are people on this forum who target channel cats from shore in moderately-flowing southwestern Ontario rivers, which is exactly what we're doing, so I'm hoping for tips on how to do it (with light, fairly generalized spinning gear). Should I thread the line through a bell sinker and let it sit on bottom? Or better to cast and let it drift under a bobber? What time of day is best? What river/bank features am I looking for? And what are the most reliable baits that don't involve complicated recipes or obscure products?

I'm thinking of using worms, chicken livers, store-bought frozen smelt, could also use salted minnows though I haven't heard of that as kitty bait.

Hi,

I have fished that creek at its mouth in Port Burwell, and did catch a small 2 pound channel cat while targeting perch. As such I’d say there are channel cats in the creek upstream......... size??

I would also mention that Big Otter Creek is mentioned in the MNR's Atlas re Channel Cats as having the species.

From what I could see , at that location, Big Otter Creek is fairly muddy with low visibility. I cannot comment on its clarity farther upstream near Vienna.

Here’s my thoughts ........& a quick 101 on bait fishing Channel Cats................ hope this helps:

Worms, chicken livers, and frozen freshwater smelt would all work.

However worms may attract other small annoying species. Livers are soft and difficult to keep on the hook. Frozen smelt is expensive and not “native”. I would recommend cut white sucker (or river chub, or common shiner) for increased attraction coming from a smell and taste that the channel cats will recognize. Many of the larger bait shops carry frozen cut (or whole) white sucker.

Any equipment would work........... cats are NOT line or hardware shy at all. Line type and weight don’t matter. I use medium light mostly.......... but will step it up in “big” waters like Dunnville, .............or go to ultra light for a real good tussle.......

Slip sinker rigs using bells or eggs work great, but if there is minimal current then pinch-ons would work. If the water is wow snaggy you may wish to consider using a three way swivel with sacrificial lighter test droppers to the hook and sinkers.

Use circle hooks. 2/0 or larger. Leave the hook point exposed (not buried in the bait). Other styles/sizes of hooks would work, but larger circles will increase lip hooks ups while minimizing mortal wound ”gut” hooking.

The cats will hold in the “deeper” runs, pools, outside corners. Cast to the leading upstream edge of these structures – so the smell washes downstream to the fish and attracts them.

Use just enough weight to hold your bait stationary on bottom and provide casting distance help. The fish will come to your bait following the scent/taste trail. Use a rod holder or forked stick.

You may see a fish break the surface as it nears your baits location as it searches. You may also see a few light twitches in your line as the fish brushes your line as it circles about the bait. There is no such thing as a light nibble......... when they decide your bait is food they will engulf it aggressively.

Cheers,

OldTimer