Reeling in Adventure: Catfishing on the Red
Today's blog is authored by Brad Durick, owner and operator of Brad Durick Outdoors LLC.
Every day residents of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks pass over one of three bridges that crosses a little river called the Red. Many locals think nothing of it as they pass over or they remember it for the violent flooding that happens from time to time, 1997 in particular.
In reality; this is not an accurate assessment at all. You see to some locals and many from around the country have been enlightened to what this little river really is. It home to America’s Finest Channel Cat Fishing.
The Red River of the North is 545 miles of beauty and channel catfish heave. There are many anglers all over the United States who have read about the catfish as if it were a legend. First brought to the public eye for fishing in the 1970s the Red River channel catfishing is a trip to mecca for many, a bucket list trip so to speak.
I am the luckiest guy in the world, I live in Grand Forks, just minutes away from this amazing river. The river has become my life over the past 20 plus years. I too drove over the river believing things I had heard and I was here in 1997 but once I fished the catfish I fell in love.
I fell in love so much that I have made the river my life’s work being a professional catfish guide to show the fishing off to anyone who wants to experience it. I have also made sure to get involved in other opportunities such as tournament fishing and the local catfish league to try to get even more people involved.
Every day I think how lucky I am to be here and get to experience this.
THE CATFISH
Most places in the United States a 12-15 pound channel catfish is literally the fish of a lifetime. Here on the Red River it is a daily occurrence, usually multiple times per day. Channel catfish here average about nine pounds and can sometimes get up to as much as 25 pounds. The population is abundant and very healthy ensuring many more years and hopefully decades of this amazing fishing.
Catching catfish can be pretty easy. You need a medium heavy rod with larger reel spooled with at the very least 20 (I recommend 30) pound line. A two to five ounce sinker (depending on current) and 4/0-6/0 hook. Bait with a ball of worms, a frog, a piece of cut sucker or goldeye. Cast it out and wait. Catfish love to live near fallen trees and river holes.
That is the basics, like everything else in life there is more to it for better success but this will get you started.
TOURNAMENTS & THE RED RIVER VALLEY CATFISH LEAUGE
The famous catfishing has provided opportunities for locals and visitors to put their skills to the test with tournaments and the catfish league.
The Red River Valley Catfish Club hosts a 12-week catfish league every Wednesday of summer. The league is an inexpensive way to get on the water every week to compete and hang out with like minded anglers. It alternates between the North Landing at Riverside Park and the ramp at LaFave Park. Fishing is from 6-9pm with a limit of two fish. There are also some side contests such as Fat Cat and River King and the real goal of being crowned Angler of the Year. League runs May thru Early August. For more information to to RRVCatfish.com.
Grand Forks/East Grand Forks is also home to two famous catfish tournaments. Every June is the smaller yet popular Scheels Boundary Battle Catfish Tournament. This tournament started in 2015 is two days where angers must fish below Riverside Dam, day 1 and above Riverside Dam, day 2, hence “Boundary Battle”. This is a unique event because rather than big top end payouts it has categories so more teams have opportunity to win. For more information go to BoundaryBattle.com.
The Cats Incredible Tournament has been in East Grand Forks for over 30 years. Held the last weekend of July, this two-day event put Grand Forks/East Grand Forks tournament fishing on the map. It is still the largest tournament in the region. For more information CatsIncredibleTournament.com.
VISITING GREATER GRAND FORKS TO CATFISH
If you are looking for a fishing adventure or already know about the great catfishing in the Red River there are many opportunities. The Greenway in Grand Forks provides miles of public access to shore fishing.
If you have a boat, Grand Forks and East Grand Forks has three great boat launching and dock facilities. In Grand Forks there is a ramp and dock located below River Side Dam at Riverside Park. This location is how to get north downstream of the dam. There is also a ramp in Lincoln Park. In East Grand Forks there was a brand new ramp and dock installed at LaFave Park in 2024. This is near downtown and is above the Riverside Dam.
If you have never catfished before, don’t own any gear or a boat and want to try catfishing you can hire a professional guide to take you fishing. This is a great way to be introduced to catfishing and have success to grow on. A catfish guide will provide you with everything you need to be successful. All you will need is some snacks and a fishing license. For more information on a local fishing guide RedRiverCatfish.com.
Of course, there is the tournaments who are open to all who wish to experience the Red River and compete.
The Red River of the North at Grand Forks and East Grand Forks is such a wonderful river to catch a catfish but don’t forget about the sunsets, the wildlife and the birds that call the river home. It is a beautiful step into nature how it is meant to be.
