CATS: MERRIMACK RIVER STYLE

In the northeast section of Massachusetts, one of the best rivers for catfish has to be the Merrimack River. It’s a large, fast flowing river that supports many different species of fish and is a favorite fishing spot for the area’s many anglers.

During the spring and fall months there are large numbers of white catfish and bullheads present in the river. My preference is the white catfish. It is a species that can be caught throughout the river and will provide the angler with plenty of action and a good test of his ability to fight an active fish. The white catfish in the Merrimack River averages between two and three pounds but individual catches have weighed in excess of seven pounds. The larger fish are most apt to be caught from April thru June and again during September and October.

White catfish can fill the void of the summer doldrums. When the fishing slows down, all that is necessary to hook into a good fight and a prized catfish is to place your bait on the bottom. Of course knowing where the catfish hold will increase your chances for a fish . Popular baits include stinkbaits, doughbaits, cheesebaits and bloodbaits, either commercially prepared or homemade. One of the best baits in the Merrimack is the night crawler.

Many of the prime locations for locating white catfish are the deeper holes that contain muddy and silty bottoms. Aquatic growth helps locate catfish as the weeds will filter out particles and drop them to the bass of the plants causing prime habitat. Undercuts in the banks are another area that will support good sized cats. Not only do these areas provide shelter for the cats but they also provide areas that provide fertile feeding locations as the fish can feed off the land during rainy periods and high water conditions.

Catfish have ferocious appetites and will feed during any part of the day. They will feed on just about anything from vegetation to small fish. They work the bottom for insect larvae as well as feed off dead fish. Their sense of smell is highly developed and works for them in their never ending search for food. This is one of the things that makes catfishing so productive.

Many anglers feel that catfishing is fairly easy because they are so abundant. One thing anglers fail to realize is the difficulty in detecting a pick up. Their delicate pick up is sometimes very difficult to detect. Both large and small fish will gently pick up, mouth, caress and generally play with the bait before deciding to finally take it. Well sharpened hooks will help to hook your fish.

Because the catfish is a ferocious feeder, I like to present him with an offering of sufficient quantity to catch his attention. When using any of the prepared stink and dough baits, give the cat something worth going after. Form your bait into roughly the size of a ping pong ball. Many fishermen feel that smaller baits attract more fish and a large offering is just too big. Look at the size of the cats mouth, even a small catfish, and you will quickly realize just how large a bait it can handle. If you choose to use night crawlers, ball up five or six crawlers on the hook. Leave tails to provide movement to attract the fish.

Of the whole length of the Merrimack River, I like fishing the Lawrence and Haverhill areas of the river. In this section of the river there are many locations that are great holding spots for hungry cats. For the most part, I like using night crawlers on sliding sinker rigs.

Starting at the Essex Dam in Lawrence, the fishing is generally fast just below the dam. The back-eddies created by the currents and the culverts are great spots for holding catfish. The sheltered waters created by the bridge abutments also hold good numbers of cats. Generally, the catfish in this area are on the small side.

The next area that holds good numbers of cats is the mouth of the Spigot River Not only are there good numbers of catfish present in this area but there are good numbers of large fish present. Five pound plus fish are not uncommon here. Productive areas include just off the mouth of the river and into the main flow of the Merrimack. There is a bar in this area and it is productive when you work the edges of it. During the spring and fall, this area holds good numbers of large fish. Along with other types of baits, strips of bacon also work well here.

The mouth of the Shawsheen River is another location that is very productive. It holds good numbers of heavy catfish throughout the year. Fish both sides of the river mouth for the best action. Don’t overlook the culvert. Cast a bait right into the culvert and wait for the action to begin.

The next location is well known to most shad fishermen. It is right behind the restaurant below the Rt. 495 bridge. There is a bar and a cut in the river that holds good numbers of catfish. Fish the back side of the bar where the river backs up and creates quiet water. Just about any baits will attract fish but chicken livers and blood baits seem to hold the edge.

Moving down the river this next location is one of my favorite. It’s just below the Rt. 125 connector in Haverhill. There is an island that creates plenty of prime waters for catfish. The island also forms two coves that are very productive. This area is best fished during the spring as the coves dry up during the summer. Night crawlers are generally best in this area.

Many fishermen have found productive areas along Rt. 110. By following the road, breaks in the cover will be found and access to the river becomes apparent.

Boat fishermen score all along the river. The key to success lies in the ability of the fisherman to locate the deeper holes just below rocky formations where quiet water develops. In these areas I like to use night crawlers as the current provides the necessary movement of the bait to attract fish.

Once you have caught all the catfish you want, the time to enjoy a good meal has arrived. There are many ways to prepare you catch and a couple of my favorites are sauteeing a fresh fillet in butter after it has been lightly breaded in Ritz cracker crumbs. The next way is too roll fresh crabmeat in the catfish fillet and serve with a light cheese sauce.

The catfish has a poor reputation, one that it does not deserve. It is a challenging fish that provides great sport. It provides unbeatable tablefare and can be caught during most of the year. Try giving this species of fish a try. You will be pleasantly surprised.