WASHINGTON, Mo. (KTVI) — A man recently brought in the catch of a lifetime from the Missouri River: an “enormous” 86-pound blue catfish near Washington, Missouri.
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Wally Klein executed a remarkable catch by using gizzard shad as bait with a road-and-reel method. His accomplishment demanded perseverance, power, and expertise.
Wally informed the Missouri Department of ConservationIt’s the largest fish he has ever caught. After taking a quick picture, Wally set the big catfish free back into the water.
According to MDC, the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are ideal locations for catching big catfish, including blue, flathead, and channel varieties.
These catfish frequently congregate in deep water beneath dikes, in the downstream areas of dams, or at the entrances of smaller streams. During the summer, they are typically located near submerged objects, steep drops, rocky shores, and the ends of dikes.
Specifically, blue catfish, such as Wally’s catch, prefer areas with swift-moving water close to the main channel and waterways that have a powerful current.
The Missouri and Mississippi rivers, although offering great opportunities, can be challenging for fishermen, particularly following storms or floods. Powerful currents and deep waters require different fishing techniques compared to those used in smaller lakes or streams.
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