These same spots are productive during low-water levels, but the sweet spot tends to be more concentrated. Instead of holding in the tail of the upstream riffle, active cats may move right into the riffle (usually a late prespawn and summer tactic) or will fall back into the core of the hole. Increased depth in this area offers better overhead protection from predators. Active cats also continue to hold around cover objects, spending the most time along the deeper outside edge rather than near the bank.

It's during high water that catfish location really changes. The same spots that afforded current protection during low and normal flows are too fast during high-water periods. In this situation, active cats will more likely hold in the eddy that forms behind the snag, or near the tail of the hole. They may also vacate the main river by moving into areas flooded by high water -- spots that would otherwise be dry.

TACKLE & RIGGING REFINEMENTS
Understanding how channel cats relate to changing water conditions is one key to finding and catching them in rivers. Novice anglers too often look for a shortcut -- a secret bait or terminal rig or rod-and-reel combination -- to help them catch more fish. Bait and tackle don't matter if you're not fishing in the right spot.

If you've chosen a good spot, though, after carefully evaluating river conditions, then tackle and rigging refinements can improve your catch. During the early season, for example, channel cats often bite tentatively, sampling rather than engulfing baits. Standard J-hooks are a better option than circle hooks in this situation, because they allow you to set the hook as soon as a fish grabs the bait.

More Tackle and Rigging Tips:

• Use a softer rod for circle hooks than you would for standard J-hooks. A bass-style flipping stick is a fine choice for many catfishing situations, but the tip is too stiff for circle hooks. A softer tip allows cats to move with a bait without feeling resistance.
• With circle hooks, keep the reel engaged -- but use a freespool clicker with J-hooks. Increasing line tension causes a circle hook to rotate in a fish's jaw until the point catches the soft flesh in the corner of the mouth. With a standard hook, though, it's necessary to minimize tension and manually set the hook.
• Leader length makes a difference. In current, long leaders result in more snags. A 12- to 18-inch leader is fine for clean-bottom areas in slow to moderate current, but a 3- to 6-inch snell is better suited to faster flows.
• Many anglers have been taught to use the lightest possible jigs and sinkers, but this rule has little application in catfishing. The main line slides freely through the sinker to minimize resistance, and a heavier sinker is less likely to roll, keeping baits in position and minimizing snags. So don't be stingy with the weight.
• We usually use monofilament line in low water. In heavy current, on the other hand, we use braids. Monofilament offers better abrasion resistance when fishing close to wood and other cover, but the thinner diameter of a braided or fused-filament superline offers less water resistance. Low-stretch superlines also are superior for detecting light bites in heavy current.