An estimated 2,200 anglers streamed into the south entrance of the Refuge (due to the ongoing road work at the north entrance) from 10 PM to Midnight (after the 100 degree heat departed) and spent the majority of the night fishing for the nocturnal channel and flathead catfish. Over 100 boats were recorded on DeSoto Lake and lines of bank anglers dotted the shoreline.

Creel samples indicated that boat anglers were much more successful than those fishing from the shore, as many of the catfish were found in holes that were generally only assessable from boats. With the excessive hot weather and surface water temperatures over 80 degrees, game fish were found in cooler water in the 15-25 foot holes in the lake. Anglers with the right equipment, as well as, contour and structure maps of the lake (which are available at the Visitor Center) were better prepared to locate and find fish.

With the large turnout of anglers, as well as, the positive response from the crowd, management is looking at earlier dates for additional all night cat fishing in the future.

CONTACT: Steve Van Riper, ROS