Bert Swope
Choke Canyon Reservoir in west Texas is a favorite among jug liners, trot line anglers, and boaters. At 25,670 acres, the reservoir attracts catfish anglers due to its abundant water.
The reservoir boasts diverse catfish species, such as blue catfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. Additionally, it’s an excellent bass fishing spot.
Choke Canyon Reservoir often features stink baits, cut shad, live shad, and sunfish as the primary baits for catfishing. While you may also see rod and reel fishermen here, trotline fishing has become the dominant method.
Choke Canyon Reservoir is a popular fishing spot between San Antonio and Corpus Christi on Interstate 37, close to Three Rivers.
Blue catfish
If you’re searching for some big catfish quickly, Choke Canyon Reservoir could be just what the doctor ordered. This lake boasts an abundant population of blue catfish and is known for producing impressive monster fish yearly.
Those willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with the chance to hook up with blue catfish ranging in weight from 3-5 pounds, according to Bobby Farquhar, TPWD regional program director for west Texas. Due to its extended growing season and abundant food supply, these catfish are abundant here.
Another advantage of these catfish is their rapid growth rate; they can reach impressive sizes within a short amount of time. Furthermore, they feed heavily on shad and other aquatic organisms in this area’s water column.
As such, many anglers who visit the area will spend their entire day fishing for catfish. They use live bait to target these species and are sure to have a great time on board.
For those new to catfishing, it’s essential to remember that the most popular way to catch catfish is with a jug line or trotline. These passive techniques are effective and accessible for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
However, some anglers prefer a sinking rig or jig with an aggressive heavy sinker to attract catfish. This method has proven successful in numerous waterways throughout the state of Louisiana.
One of the most straightforward and most economical methods to catch catfish is scattering small amounts of sour grain on the bottom of the water. When catfish see this bait, they often come to the surface to consume it.
If a catfish has been hooked and won’t eat the sour grain, try changing the angle of your rod. Doing so may increase the effectiveness of using a jug line or trotline and help you catch more fish.
Flathead catfish
Anglers in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas, often target the flathead catfish, one of three Big Three species found throughout United States waterways. It has become a prized target for recreational and commercial fishermen alike.
Flathead catfish are native to the Mississippi River basin and parts of the Gulf of Mexico, but have been introduced into a variety of habitats throughout North America. While considered invasive, their presence has hurt native catfish and other wildlife populations.
They can be identified by their broad, flat head and lower jaw that protrudes beyond the upper jaw. Their body color varies from yellowish brown to dark brown, with black or brown mottling on lighter sides. Adults in warmer waters have been known to reach 90 to 100 pounds in weight.
Channel and flathead catfish are ambush predators that feed at night and wait under cover for prey to cross their path. They mainly consume small crayfish, freshwater shrimp, and small fish, but as they mature, their appetites expand to include larger prey such as bass and catfish.
These predators are renowned for their strength and aggressiveness when engaged in battle. When threatened, they erect sharp barbed spines that protrude perpendicular to their body, which can be painful and lead to infection at the wound site.
Flathead catfish can be kept in aquariums if you provide plenty of hiding places and a diet of live bait. Furthermore, their ideal pH level should be 6-8, and their temperature range between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
When selecting a catfish tank, ensure it has at least 20 gallons and space for at least one adult male and several young ones. Flatheads are rapidly growing species and will soon outgrow their tanks unless provided with plenty of room to grow.
Furthermore, flathead catfish require plenty of natural sunlight to thrive and plenty of food and water to grow. Therefore, an aquarium should have at least 20 gallons and an effective filtration system to keep the water clean.
Channel catfish
If you’re searching for a place to catch big catfish in Texas, Choke Canyon reservoir is an excellent choice. This reservoir supplies water to Corpus Christi and has been a beloved fishing spot for years.
Channel catfish are a common species in this lake, typically growing to between 3 and 5 pounds. They’re typically caught using live bait and tend to be voracious eaters.
Choke Canyon’s most popular bait for catfish fishing is cut shad, live shad, sunfish, or other types of bait. Be careful when using shad, though; they may become very nervous!
Another successful bait for channel cats is cheese. This bait can be molded around a treble hook and proves highly attractive to these fish, so it should always be used on a trotline with no more than 50 hooks and an identification tag attached.
According to TPWD, trotline fishing is the primary method for catching channel catfish at Choke Canyon. You may use up to 50 hooks on your line, but always attach a gear tag that includes the date it was placed in the water and your name and address. Your trotline cannot remain submerged for more than 30 days without being removed.
In addition to catfish, the area is home to a range of other wildlife. You’ll spot ducks, foxes, rabbits, and quail in this region.
The region is renowned for its archaeological sites. Possum Hollow in particular, stands as an outstanding example of an “open terrace” site – where hunters and gatherers camped in days gone by. These locations usually feature soft ground, firewood, and other resources that are easy to access.
Many of these open terrace sites have now been submerged by the Choke Canyon reservoir. During prehistoric times, these were ideal spots for hunting and gathering as they provided food, shelter, and water.
Catfishing tips
Choke Canyon reservoir boasts some of the finest catfishing in Texas. Situated near Three Rivers, it boasts a diverse selection of fish to target, such as blue cats, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.
Bass fishing is a popular pastime at Lake Erie, particularly along the sandbars at its southern end. The water here is warm and clear – ideal for finding bass of all sizes.
According to TPWD, trotline is the most efficient way to catch catfish in Choke Canyon. This technique allows you to set up multiple baits and hooks and can be used in many different areas. However, TPWD requires all trotlines to have a gear tag with information regarding when it was put into the water and how many hooks are attached.
Catfish tend to move around in the water, making trotline fishing an effective method for catching them. To maximize your success on this fishing expedition, you’ll need a high-quality rod and reel and some tasty bait that will entice these voracious predators to bite.
One of the most popular baits for catfish in Choke Canyon Reservoir is stink baits. These fish-attracting lures often smell chemicals such as garlic, pepper, or hot sauce to attract fish.
Another type of bait that attracts catfish in the Choke Canyon Reservoir is live shad. Shad is highly effective at attracting these fish due to its natural food source.
Choke Canyon reservoir offers several other methods for catching catfish, such as spinnerbaits or fishing with bait rigs. While these methods can yield exciting results, you must take time to succeed.
