Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August - 13

casted it out the side of the boat to settle near the
bottom in a small river channel. Twenty minutes
later, the line took off, and I set the hook on what
I thought to be a nice Channel Catfish. The fish
ran with bulldog determination and put up an
excellent fight. When my friend illuminated the
water with a portable spotlight, so we could get
it in the landing net, we were stunned to see a
10-pound Flathead Catfish. I took several pictures
and was anxious to let friend and Pennsylvania
Fish & Boat Commission fisheries biologist Bob
Lorantas know that I landed a Flathead Catfish
approximately 17 miles upstream from where the
Juniata River enters the Susquehanna River near
the town of Duncannon. His response was that
he was not surprised and that Flathead Catfish
had already shown up as far north on the river as
Lewistown. Since that night about 5 years ago, I
have seen both the size and abundance of Flathead
Catfish in the Juniata River increase.
Since both species roam the river in good
numbers, it is a good strategy to have baits on
hand that appeal to each species. For river Channel
Catfish, it is hard to beat cut bait. Chunks of Creek
Chubs and Fallfish cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces and
fished on a size 2 hook below a 1/2- to 1-ounce slip
sinker can be highly effective. Nightcrawlers are
also a good option, but anglers often get strikes
from smaller and nontarget fish.
Flathead Catfish are true predators
and prefer meals to be alive. Live
Bluegills in the 5-inch range
hooked behind the dorsal fin
can draw vicious strikes. Use
hooks as large as 7/0 fished
below a slip sinker. Make
sure the drag on your reel
is adjusted properly, as
the initial run these fish
make when hooked can
break the line in a hurry.
These fish will readily
take live Creek Chubs
and Fallfish. As the
average size of Flathead
Catfish in the Juniata
River has increased
over the years, so has
the size of effective baits.
These fish are excellent
table fare and that secret

Large hooks like these 7/0 are
perfect to fish live Bluegills for
Flathead Catfish on the Juniata River.
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Roy Brubaker with a large American Eel. American Eels are
increasingly common in the Juniata River.

is certainly out as I have noticed an increasing
number of people keep their catches.
Catfish rods with a medium-heavy or heavy
action in the 7-foot range and longer are ideal,
and line size ranging from 12- to 20-pound-test
line will handle the Juniata River's nighttime
denizens of the deep. In the early evening, look
for fish in deeper holes and channels. As the night
progresses, the fish will roam the shallow flats on
the hunt for the evening meal. It is not uncommon
for anglers fishing from the bank to enjoy great
success in these areas. There are also bullheads in
the river, and American Eels have become a common
catch as well.
When the sun sets on the Juniata River and you
hear bullfrogs bellowing along weedy shoreline stretches,
consider joining the night shift crew. The sleep you miss
out on may be rewarded with a Juniata River giant.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2019

13
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August

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