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.
Wally Klein executed his 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 captured. After taking a quick picture, Wally returned the huge catfish to the river.
According to MDC, the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers offer excellent opportunities for catching big catfish, including blue, flathead, and channel varieties.
These catfish frequently congregate in deep water beneath dikes, in the areas downstream from 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 daunting for fishermen, particularly following storms or flood events. Powerful flows and deep waters require distinct fishing techniques compared to those applied in smaller lakes or streams.
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