Fishing the Night Shift on the Juniata River by Jeff Woleslagle photos by the author As the sun sets on the Juniata River in central Pennsylvania, and bass anglers turn their boats toward shore, there is a second shift busily preparing their gear. This group of anglers is readying stout rods, huge hooks and big baits to tempt the giants that roam these waters. They have waited patiently for darkness and for the hungry catfish to go on the prowl, and they have no issues with a little sleep deprivation. This hardy crew considers the loss of sleep a small price to pay for the adrenaline rush of a 10-pound, 20-pound or even 30-pound catfish on the end of the line. 12 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2019 While the Juniata River is an outstanding Smallmouth Bass fishery, it is also phenomenal catfish water. It boasts a healthy population of Channel Catfish, many reaching record size. I have landed three in recent years over 30-inches long and weighing up to 15-pounds and have witnessed many others in that size range come to the net. A new addition to the Juniata River is the Flathead Catfish. This fish is considered an invasive species in the Susquehanna River and Juniata River but is native to the western part of Pennsylvania and the Ohio River drainage. The cult-like following of dedicated anglers in the west is also now developing on the Juniata River. I remember vividly the first Flathead Catfish I ever caught on the Juniata River. A friend and I anchored up after dark to try our luck with Channel Catfish, and I had a few leftover live shiners in a bait bucket from bass fishing earlier in the day. On a whim, I hooked one of the shiners near the tail and www.gonefishingpa.comhttp://www.gonefishingpa.com