Big Blue Cats Time

(Holmes, Walton and Washington counties)

Species: Channel, flathead and blue catfish.

Big channel catfish are usually caught in the Choctawhatchee River in late May through early July, and October into November if the water stays warm. Small cats are caught year-round, but expect the bite to slow when it is cold. Work the Alabama line south to Choctawhatchee Bay, and around the mouth of Holmes Creek and other tributaries. Most of the larger catfish are found in the northern portion of the river, but some will be found throughout the river within deep bends and holes that contain large woody debris. Fish live bream on the bottom for flatheads up to 30 pounds, and try stink baits or night crawlers on the bottom for channels.

Special note: The state record blue catfish was caught on the Choctawhatchee River on May 30, 2015. It was caught by William Stewart III, and weighed 69.50 pounds..