[lureboy17]

The season started out pretty good till the rain came. The river turned to mud and haven't seen a striper in two weeks. Hopefully the fish move in and the water clears up before the ale house tourney on saturday.

 

[freddie the j]

Seems kinda normal to me. River is always going up and down this time of year.

 

[bassfisher91]

I know it sucks waiting for the stripers but I've still been having fun catching tons of cats, some of them pretty good sized as well. Better than staying home when the river gets muddy.

 

[freddie the j]

True facts: I first stared fishing the Hudson in about 1992 in a serious way. In terms of cats, big bull heads were the rule. Black, brown, I can't tell the difference but they had big bull heads and square tails. Then, about 12 years ago I started catching slim, handsome catfish, about 3-4 inches long. Having lived in the Midwest, I recognized them as channel cat. Since then, each year they have grown bigger. 24" is about the biggest I have caught so far. I have read they won't get much bigger because of the short growing season up here. Down south they get 20 pounds.
Bull heads are almost now non-existent as far as I can tell. So are the shad.
I think the channels ate them all.

 

[aNskY]

True facts: I first stared fishing the Hudson in about 1992 in a serious way. In terms of cats, big bull heads were the rule. Black, brown, I can't tell the difference but they had big bull heads and square tails. Then, about 12 years ago I started catching slim, handsome catfish, about 3-4 inches long. Having lived in the Midwest, I recognized them as channel cat. Since then, each year they have grown bigger. 24" is about the biggest I have caught so far. I have read they won't get much bigger because of the short growing season up here. Down south they get 20 pounds.
Bull heads are almost now non-existent as far as I can tell. So are the shad.
I think the channels ate them all.

I caught a17lb channel cat off highland shore a couple years ago

 

[bassfisher91]

I caught a17lb channel cat off highland shore a couple years ago

I've also caught several over 10 lbs and 32 inches from shore and heard of them close to 20 lbs...I wouldn't be surprised if someone catches a mid 20 lber sooner or later. The river may be tidal but the big ones can just find a hole and sit and eat anything that floats down the river. I think it has the potential to become a good fishery for big channels down the road. Its not like very many people would keep/eat them, they are so full of PCB's anyways.

 

[freddie the j]

I've also caught several over 10 lbs and 32 inches from shore and heard of them close to 20 lbs...I wouldn't be surprised if someone catches a mid 20 lber sooner or later. The river may be tidal but the big ones can just find a hole and sit and eat anything that floats down the river. I think it has the potential to become a good fishery for big channels down the road. Its not like very many people would keep/eat them, they are so full of PBC's anyways.

It would be interesting to have them actually tested for toxins. Any DEC biologists out there? I can get you all you want.

When you buy catfish at the fish market, channel cat is what you get. Beautiful fish. Small ones look like a trout with whiskers.

 

[Tony T]

When the black flies come out the fishing will be good.

 

[lureboy17]

Seems to heating up now but not very fast.

 

[bassinbrian]

Seems to heating up now but not very fast.

Right on time for a "Normal" season :icon_thumright:

I'll post pics after this weekend icon_wink.gif

BB