chester woods channel cats

[frydaddy]

Chester has a lot of big channel cats. I have caught two (not trying) in the past; one thru the ice and one on a nightcrawler open water. I'd like to target some of these big 24" plus cats this year.

Any ideas on where and with what? Deep water in front of the dam? Crawlers or chicken livers on the bottom?

Thanks.

[Tyler Holm]

The spot you mentioned with the bait you mentioned would be best during the ice season.

They call them channel cats for a reason. They spend a lot of time in the channel, but you can certainly catch them shallow.

Cut suckers or chubs work well too or dead shad. Crayfish also. The bait you mentioned would do just fine as well.

[budiva]

I posted a similar question last summer. I remember one reply mentioned using shrimp near the boat ramp/canoe rentals. I never got a chance to try it though.

[Reservoir Dawg]

Kevin, A staff memner at Chester Woods does a Catfishing seminar June 2nd. Here is some info from their program guide

CATFISHIN'- Sat., June 2nd at 7:00pm

Kids, have you ever seen a Chester Lake channel cat? Come and help us catch the largest predator in the lake, some up to 30 inches long and 14 lbs. Please bring your own fishing equipment and dress for this all-weather event. We will provide the bait. Meet at the kiosk by the boat ramp parking lot. All ages.

This also is the date I am directing a trail race at Chester Woods, if you are interested in running or helping send me an e-mail at [email protected]

Thanks

[Down to Earth]

I was out for some early morning shore bass fishing last year and fished around the landing before they opened up the gate. Saw probably the biggest catfish I've seen in person roaming around the boat launch area. Course all I had were my bassin' plastics. The fish easily went mid-upper 20's and real fat.

RD,

That should be a good race. Some of those hills on the trails can be nasty though. I took a major spill on one two years ago during the Wild Onion Triathlon. Ended up costing me a podium finish as I missed 3rd in my age group by 9 seconds. I'd be interested in running or volunteering, but I'll be up in the cities that weekend camping and participating in the Buffalo Lakes Triathlon.

Andy

[Reservoir Dawg]

Thanks Andy,

Send me an e-mail sometime and we can do a little trail runing out to Chester Woods its my favorite place to train. I don't do the tri thing I like my feet on dry ground:-).

Good luck in Buffalo Lakes.

Jim