Bass and catfish are hooked

Catfish tastebuds no longer want chicken livers

By Amie Johansen

amie@charlescitypress.com

Smallmouth bass and rock bass are making a splash in the Cedar River.

“They are catching smallmouth bass and rock bass, right down from the (whitewater) course to my shop,” Randy Wiltse, owner of Rapids End Outfitters on Saint Mary St. in Charles City, said.

According to Wiltse, anglers have reported catching up to two pound bass. Wrestling these fish ashore first requires the right kind of bait.

“Rock bass and smallmouth bass are biting on earthworms, Tenn. red worms and I think the bass are biting on minnows,” Wiltse said.

The river favorite is also biting lately.

“They are catching a few catfish, other than that I haven’t heard too much of anything,” Tim Eppley, owner of Tim’s Bait & Tackle in Charles City said. “It’s been really kind of a messed up year again.”

While catfish are biting, their tastes have changed.

“Catfishermen that have come in are switching over to leches and crawfish, not so much chicken livers,” Wiltse said.

Nub Ronnei, owner of Nub’s Bait, Tackle & More in Nashua, has also noticed an uptick of catfishermen lately.

“They are getting anxious,” he said. “Everyone is kind of watching the news and the weather.”

Nub is also starting to get anxious, hoping for prime conditions for the annual catfish tournament during Nashua’s Water Over the Dam Days festival this weekend. The tournament begins at 7 p.m. Friday night. Participants are allowed to fish until weigh-in which is set for 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

“The middle of the day is not a good time to go catfishing they just don’t seem like they are feeding,” he said explaining the tournament’s hours.  

Those looking to catch panfish should seek permission to fish the area farm ponds.

“Ponds have been catching bluegills and crappies and perch,” Wiltse said.

Fly fisherman will enjoy Turtle Creek and the Wapsi River Trout Section this weekend. Both of these areas were stocked with trout yesterday and are scheduled to be stocked again this Monday.