Cold water river cats

Try these rivers for wintertime catfish

While bigger rivers often get the spotlight, some others in the Carolinas offer excellent January catfish action, especially for anglers who focus on sunken logs and precise bait placement. Cold-water catfish behavior is consistent across systems, and these rivers provide outstanding structure and dependable winter patterns.

Neuse River

In North Carolina, the Neuse River is a strong January option for blue, flathead and channel catfish. This river features long, sweeping bends and wooded banks where storms and high water regularly drop large trees into the river.

During winter, catfish commonly hold on these submerged logs, particularly on outside bends where deeper water meets a current break. These areas allow fish to conserve energy while staying close to passing food.

Anchoring on the Neuse is often the most productive tactic in January. By setting the boat slightly upstream of a log or laydown, anglers can pitch baits directly into the slack water created by the structure. Short, controlled pitches keep baits close, reducing snags while keeping them in the strike zone.

Because winter fish are reluctant to move far, accuracy is far more important than casting distance. Letting baits soak for extended periods often leads to steady bites.

Cut bait works extremely well on the Neuse during cold months. Fresh-cut shad, eel, or herring produces a scent trail that drifts into the logs, pulling blues and channels out to feed. Smaller pieces are often best, matching the reduced feeding activity typical of January. Live bait can also be effective near heavy cover, especially when targeting flatheads holding deep in the wood.

Wateree River

In South Carolina, the Wateree River provides excellent January catfish opportunities. Below Lake Wateree, the river flows through wooded bottoms loaded with submerged timber, creating textbook winter habitat. Catfish here frequently stack up around individual sunken logs or small logjams rather than spreading out across flats.

Anchoring is essential on the Wateree, as current can vary dramatically depending on dam releases. Position the boat upstream of the structure and use enough weight to keep baits pinned in place. Pitch baits carefully to the edges of logs, focusing on areas where current slows and debris collects.

Cut bait such as shad or perch is highly effective for winter blue cats on the Wateree. For anglers targeting flatheads, live bream or shad fished tight to the wood can produce strikes even in cold water.

Success on both the Neuse and Wateree rivers comes from slowing down, anchoring precisely, and pitching baits close to sunken logs. This is where January catfish are most likely to be found.

Go full circle

Using circle hooks when fishing for catfish in rivers is an effective and responsible choice.

Circle hooks are designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth rather than deep in the throat, reducing injury and increasing survival for released fish. This is especially useful in rivers, where current can cause catfish to swallow bait quickly.

To use circle hooks properly, avoid setting the hook with a hard jerk; instead, let the fish swim away and apply steady pressure.

Paired with natural baits like cut bait or worms, circle hooks improve hookups while promoting sustainable catfishing practices.