Getting Started on River Fishing
by Kevin Workman (TheDarkArcher) - September 8, 2008
In the midsummer heat on a large reservoir fishing can be tough. Especially when you throw in boat traffic and heavy fishing pressure. Yet many anglers without private water access feel forced to try make the most of these not so ideal circumstances. In fact, the lazy summer days of sitting in the shade in a quiet place and enjoying the scenery as you catch fish has almost become non-existent to some city dwelling anglers. However, with a little footwork, your own quiet honey-hole may be closer than you think.
Eastern Nebraska has many overlooked acres of water. Mainly, water that moves through our rivers. Small rivers offer some of the best fishing opportunities for certain species in the state. Especially for the large numbers of fishermen and women from Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas. In this area there are several small rivers within a short drive from the city limits. The Platte, the Little and Big Blue and even The Nemaha rivers are close by. Each of these rivers offer public access points and private access is often not hard to gain. All of these waters are known primarily for producing catfish. Each has both channel and flathead catfish in good numbers. Though other species like bullheads, carp, freshwater drum and even sturgeon can be caught. These may not be the most popular species but the scenic locations and the chance for solitude and successful catches are a welcome break from fishing crowded reservoirs.
An excellent example of a river catfish, held by Kevin Workman, (thedarkarcher).
Small rivers are unique but designed basically the same. Every river consists of riffles, holes and runs. For the most part, during the day catfish rest in cover or in holes. It is important to recognize these features on the stretch of river you are fishing. Often, there are holes in the bends of a river, look for fallen trees and clustered debris as well. Towards evening catfish will emerge and begin feeding in the shallower areas and in the current where it washes food into cover or a hole. Feeding typically lasts periodically throughout the night and there is often a good bite in the early morning hours. Rivers are easy to pattern with a little time and patience. Daytime also can produce well if you work your bait in close to catfish hideouts.
An easy setup for a river venture would be a medium or medium heavy rod and a reel capable of handling heavier line from 15 to 50 lb. test. Most eastern Nebraska rivers have a large amount of underwater cover and heavy line is needed to steer fish away from snags. Also, while most fish are mid-sized the potential for large catfish is very good in some areas, especially when targeting flatheads. A basic rig to probe an area for fish would be a sinker of 1/2 oz. or larger (depending on the current) sliding free on the line with a split shot placed about foot up from the hook. A three way rig also works well, attach swivel to line, a short length of line on the top eye with hook and a short length on bottom eye with sinker. Kahle and circle hooks are preferred for catfish because they are not usually swallowed and hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. When releasing fish these hooks greatly improve survival rate.
An example of the Kahle, mentioned above.
A good bait to start off with is night crawlers. Both species of catfish can be caught on worms as well as most other river species. If you are simply looking to catch fish you usually can't go wrong with this basic bait. However, if you are interested in targeting fish bigger than "eating" size other baits will perform better. For channel catfish, cut bait will work well for the larger specimens. It is fairly easy in most of these rivers to catch carp and drum which make great cut bait. Simply cut the bait in vertical slices about one inch thick and push the hook through just under the skin so it hangs off with the hook point exposed. Cast the bait just outside a brush pile, ideally in a position where the current lifts the bait up just off the bottom. Other good baits include shrimp and shad sides for bigger fish.
Big flatheads prefer live bait over anything else and if you are looking for a truly large fish then you want to use truly large bait. Big flatheads have been caught on night crawlers before but when you are trying specifically to catch one, live baitfish will always produce best. Bluegills, bullheads, carp, chubs and goldfish will all work fine. It is wise to experiment with different live bait to find which one works well in your situation. Bigger baits will often be more active and attractive in gaining the notice of a big flathead. These types of settings require the heavier line of 20-50 lb. test because the fish can be very large and are often very close to heavy cover. In areas where the water is slack, a baitfish suspended under a large slip bobber can be very productive. If live bait is not readily available, big flatheads can be caught on fresh cut bait and sometimes even bait that has been frozen.
Most small rivers are easily navigated in a small boat, but there is plenty of bank access as well. Many areas are shallow enough to wade along the edges from spot to spot. Use extreme caution however because there can be strong current and deep holes. If you simply want to sit down and relax while fishing, many public areas offer good fishing and a place for a lawn chair. Small dams and underneath bridges can also be good sit and fish spots. Many public fishing access points offer channel catfish that are table fare size. Beware of fish consumption advisories where you fish though as some areas have certain chemical levels which can be mildly dangerous.
Some areas you may want to try are Platte River State Park, the Little Blue WMA's, Fairbury Dam and Flathead WMA, Blue River SRA and Blue Valley, Catfish Run WMA, Aspinwall Bend WMA, Black Island and Dry Creek WMA's and Loup River Diversion Canal. There are many other areas to fish but these all offer a good chance for a unique river fishing experience and some tight lines. Hopefully this will get you started and illuminate some fishing that the local anglers have known about for years.
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