As the fall approaches, the catfish are going to turn on and begin to feed. They are also going to begin to move off the current because of the cold fronts. They will feed for the duration of the cold fronts, then move back onto the current when the cold front passes. This cycle will repeat itself until the spring.
Water temperature
Water temperatures are crucial in determining the feeding habits of catfish. As the water temperature decreases, catfish move to deeper water to feed. They are not active as they are during the warmer months. In contrast, water temperatures that are 50-70degF are perfect for catching big catfish.
Water quality
Two factors act to reduce the quality of water during winter months. First, catfish are less active in the pond during winter than they are in other times of year. Second, winter temperatures and low phosphorus levels contribute to poor water quality. These factors can be controlled with fish health management techniques.
Predator activity
Predator-prey interaction is influenced by the density and type of prey. Roaches are a relatively low density species that sleep at night and have antipredator mechanisms to prevent them from being preyed upon during the day. European catfish, which are a specialized predator, prefer roaches in water bodies near their spawning areas. This type of prey is easily used by catfish, which can quickly adapt to this new source of food. Cyprinids, on the other hand, tend to gather in large shoals during the reproduction process, which makes them suitable prey for catfish.
Food source
The weather plays an important role in catfish behavior. They typically move to the mouth of a river or stream to feed in winter. During summer, they migrate to calmer sections of the river or stream. However, rain can alter their feeding habits. Sudden rainstorms reduce the temperature of the water, cooling it in the process. Water temperatures may also rise and fall during rainy seasons, which can cause catfish to move to a different location to feed.
Stress levels
Stress levels during the winter season affect both the production and the health of the catfish. In cooler water, their immune systems are compromised and they are more susceptible to diseases and poor nutrition. As a result, they make little progress towards market size during the winter season.