Night cats on the Neuse River

Tyler Barnes shares his tips for September catfish

September on North Carolina’s Neuse River is prime time for anglers targeting big, brawny flathead catfish. The long, winding river holds healthy numbers of these predators year-round, but the late-summer transition into early fall often brings top-notch action. Warm days keep the fish active, while cooler nights encourage longer feeding periods.

Tyler Barnes of 4Reel Fishing, who has spent countless nights chasing flatheads along the Neuse, said the river’s variety of habitat is a major reason it produces so many quality fish.

“You’ve got deep holes, laydowns, and current seams all within a short stretch in some places,” Barnes said. “Flatheads love to set up where they can ambush bait, and the Neuse is full of those spots.”

Flatheads tend to feed aggressively in preparation for the seasonal cool-down. Barnes recommends focusing efforts in the deeper holes during the day, especially those with structure like fallen trees, root balls, or rock ledges.

“They’re ambush predators,” he said. “If you can find a deep hole next to a logjam, that’s a high-percentage spot.”

At night, he suggests moving up onto shallower flats adjacent to those holes, as many fish will leave the depths under the cover of darkness to hunt.

Live bait is king when it comes to Neuse River flathead fishing, and Barnes doesn’t mince words about it.

“If you want a flathead, bring live bait, period. They’re not scavengers like channel cats. You need something kicking,” he said.

Live bluegill are among his top choices, rigged on a stout rod with a heavy leader and circle hook. The key is keeping the bait lively, so anglers should use an aerated bait tank and handle baitfish gently.

In higher water, Barnes fishes closer to the banks where flatheads take advantage of reduced current. In lower, clearer conditions, he targets deeper runs and uses heavier sinkers to keep bait in the strike zone.

“Current speed changes everything,” he said. “Flatheads are lazy when it comes to chasing bait. They want it close, and they want it easy.”

September nights on the Neuse can be magical for catfish hunters. The stillness is occasionally broken by the sudden scream of a clicker or the heavy thump of a rod bowing toward the water. Flatheads fight with brute force, often bulldogging toward cover, so Barnes stresses the importance of strong gear.

“I tell folks, bring something you’d use for a big striper or small tarpon. Light gear will get smoked.”