However, a bit of a disclaimer is in order before I begin. Channel cats came by their name honestly -- the species loves flowing water; therefore, this article will highlight several streams. But the reader is cautioned that the comments and predictions given are based on "normal" stream levels -- something much of the state hasn't seen for the past two years. As I was writing this, I heard a report on the radio that stated the drought had been broken by the snow and ice that blanketed the state this winter. Hopefully the reporter (who hedged his bet by noting that the snowmelt had done little to fill reservoirs or to replenish the aquifer) wasn't being overly optimistic.

NORTHWEST MISSOURI
For purposes of this discussion, northwest Missouri is bounded by the Iowa state line, U.S. Highway 63, the Missouri River, and the Kansas and Nebraska state lines. With no disrespect meant to the state's other three quarters, the northwestern quadrant may well be the Comstock Lode of channel-cat fishing in Missouri. What's more, that statement holds true for streams, rivers, and for both large and small impoundments.

The Grand River
It's impossible to write about catfishing in northwest Missouri without mentioning the Grand River. Although flatheads can be found the length of the river and big blue cats are caught in its lower reaches, the channel cat is the unquestioned King from where the Grand enters the state in Worth County to its junction with the Missouri River near Brunswick in Chariton County.

There are far too many public access points scattered the length of the Grand River to mention here. There are so many, in fact, that the MDC has a brochure that covers recreational opportunity along the river.

During the summer months, the upper Grand River is an ideal wading stream. Most anglers use conventional tackle to present baits to cats lurking near woody cover. Conversely, a few die-hard flyfishermen are busy catching channel cats on wet flies and streamers worked through the same types of water that would hold trout.

Farther downstream -- or during periods of high water anywhere on the river -- a small boat is, if not a necessity, at least a definite asset. Woody cover in pools and runs is the most popular structure but don't overlook riffles and any place the river is beginning to spill over its banks.

For more information, contact the MDC at (660) 646-6122.

The Nodaway River
This river, which forms the eastern boundary of Holt County before emptying into the Missouri River near the town Nodaway, produced good numbers of large channel cats for the MDC's electrofishing crews in 2006. Most of the Nodaway River is wadeable during normal summer water levels, and it's probably the best catfish stream in the state for fly fishermen. That's not to say that catfishermen who prefer crispy filets to creating artificial challenges can't do very well with conventional tackle and baits, because they most certainly can.

The eddies and sometimes-swift currents near the mouth of the Nodaway have much to offer those trying for a trophy channel cat. However, the MDC warns anglers to be on the lookout for leaping silver and bighead carp.

For more information, contact the MDC at (816) 271-3100.

Mozingo Lake
Mozingo, located near Maryville, is a great place to fish for a variety of species and channel cats are definitely no exception. In fact, Mozingo is one of only a handful of places in Missouri where channel cats weighing more than 10 pounds are a realistic possibility.

If Mozingo Lake's big channel cats aren't enough of an incentive to put this lake on your must-visit list, the exceptional facilities provided by the city of Maryville should be. These include campgrounds, cabins, a fish-cleaning station, picnic pavilions, boat ramps, and a handicap-accessible covered fishing dock.

For more information, contact the MDC at (816) 271-3100.

Long Branch Lake
It's a fairly close call to be sure, but Long Branch Lake, located on the Chariton River just north of Macon, gets the nod as northwestern Missouri's top large impoundment for channel cats in 2007. First and foremost, Long Branch Lake should produce exceptional numbers of channel cats in the 2- to 3-pound class this year -- just the size Missouri's harvest-oriented channel cat fans are seeking. Then too, a lot of Long Branch's best channel cat water is accessible from the bank. (Boaters should check out the flooded timber in either of the lake's major arms.)