Date: 5/25/11
Contact: Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

Catchin' the Whisker Fish

One of Nevada's most recognized game fish is the catfish, so named because of the "whiskers" on its face that remind us of our the furry felines that walk on land and people have as pets. These same whiskers give the catfish its nickname – whisker fish.

Whisker fish are one of the most popular game fish among anglers of all experience levels from novice to grizzled veteran. Not only do they put up a good fight, but they also taste good when served up the dinner table.

Here in Clark County catfish are found in the waters of the Lower Colorado River System as well as in each of the area's four urban ponds. These ponds can be found at Floyd Lamb Park, Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City. Though bullhead and channel cats are both available to local anglers, most fish for the channel cats due to their aggression and large size. Perhaps the best thing about fishing for catfish is that anglers don't need special equipment in order to do so.

"We live in a day when it seems that specialized equipment is needed, or at least marketed, for even the most basic of outdoor pursuits. But when it comes to catching catfish you really don't need anything special," said Doug Nielsen, conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "All you need is a rod, a reel filled with line and sharp bait hooks. My guess is that most anglers of any experience level already have what they need somewhere in their tackle box."

Catfish tend to be most active and feed more aggressively when the temperatures cool and there is little to no sun on the water. This, of course, means the most popular times to fish for whisker fish are from dusk through the early morning hours. This is also the time of day when whisker fish will cruise for food in the shallows or along the shoreline, making them more accessible to anglers.

Generally, the best method for catching whisker fish is put your bait right on the bottom. Although catfish will eat algae and even fruit, the most common baits include chicken liver, shrimp, anchovies, sardines, squid, and stink baits. Stink baits can be of the homemade variety or commercially prepared. Some anglers leave cut baits in the sun for a day or two so they get good and stinky. One method for fishing with chicken livers is to cut them into one-inch pieces and then wrap those pieces individually in cheesecloth or pantyhose so they will stay on the hook.

Though there are several ways to set up a hook and line for whisker fish, Nielsen prefers to use a slip-rig. Also called a sliding-sinker rig by some anglers, this technique enables the angler to feel a tug on the line before the fish can feel any tension. With a slip-rig, the hook is tied on the end of an 18- to 24-inch leader below a swivel and an egg sinker. Egg sinkers are designed to let the line move freely between the fish and the fishing rod, which enables the angler to easily detect strikes.

Anglers who successfully catch a catfish need to use caution when removing the hook. Catfish have sharp spines on their side (pectoral) and top (dorsal) fins. The easiest way to hold a catfish is to put your hand under its belly near the tail and slide it up to where your thumb is behind the side fin on one side and your fingers are behind the side fin on the other.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.