However, fishing for these blue catfish is somewhat different than for Taylorsville's ample population of channel cats. Blue catfish typically inhabit open water and can often be found suspended in those areas, not necessarily relating to the bottom. Anglers succeed by using live bait and cut shad with both rod and reel and by jug-fishing. With blue catfish's inclination for open water, a blue cat on the end of the line has surprised many anglers trolling crankbaits and spinners for hybrids.

Fishing for blue catfish should be great this year. Anglers will find plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the fishery at Taylorsville. There are several boat ramps on the lake, as well as access for bank-fishing anglers. For more information, contact the Taylorsville State Park at (502) 477-8713, or log on to taylorsvillelake@ky.gov.

FISHTRAP LAKE
Flathead Catfish
While blue catfish may be our largest species, some of our flathead catfish also grow to very impressive sizes. In fact, our state-record flathead weighed 97 pounds, only 7 pounds lighter than the state-record blue catfish. Every year, anglers catch numerous flatheads up in the 50- to 60- pound range and above. That's not too shabby in most people's minds.

Flatheads seem to be much more solitary than other species of catfish and typically inhabit deep-water areas of various lakes, rivers, and tailwaters. The larger fish, especially, seem to be loners and are seldom found schooling with others of their species. Telemetry studies have shown these larger flatheads will often stay in a resting location during daylight hours and then venture into shallow water late in the night for feeding.

Fishtrap Lake covers 1,131 acres and has a tremendous flathead catfish population. Anglers can tie into some really huge fish in both the tailwaters and lake proper. Fisheries biologist Kevin Frey says there have been good spawns and good recruitment of young fish for several years in a row.

Fall sampling has collected flathead catfish ranging in size from 5 to 45 inches. "The larger fish near 45 inches will weigh around 50 pounds or possibly a little more," Frey says.

Fishing for blue catfish should be great this year. Anglers will find plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the fishery at Taylorsville.

June is typically the flatheads' time for spawning at Fishtrap. Adults will seek out holes in rock banks, cavities under rocks, in logs or under woody debris. Many people who like "tickling" or "noodling," find this the best technique to use during peak spawning, as the catfish will not be feeding in earnest.

Female cats begin feeding actively again toward late June, while the males stay with their nests. These male catfish will do very little feeding until sometime in July. Prior to the spawn and again afterward, rod-and-reel anglers can load up on some of the biggest flatheads of the year.

As mentioned, telemetry studies show these fish to be very sluggish during daylight hours. Anglers should concentrate daytime fishing in these "resting" areas, usually near logs, brushpiles or other woody structure. At night, you can find these fish feeding much more actively in areas where forage fish, such as sunfish, are present.

Flatheads do not take "stinkbaits" as readily as do channel cats. The best success comes by using live baits such as bluegills and green sunfish. Minnows and other baits will also work at times.

There are three boat ramps at Fishtrap Lake. The Fishtrap Marina and Grapevine ramps require either a daily or seasonal launching fee. The ramp at Lick Creek is free. Fishtrap Lake State Park can be contacted by calling (606) 437-7496, or go online to kentuckystateparks@ky.gov.

DEWEY LAKE
Channel Catfish
The very strong channel catfish population at Dewey Lake is a popular target for area anglers, according to biologist Kevin Frey. This fishery provides a tremendous opportunity, especially during the warm months of the year. Dewey also supports an excellent flathead fishery, and every year anglers catch catfish in the 40- to 50-pound range.