As Temperatures Rise, Texas’ Lake Placid Catfishing Heating up
OutdoorHub 05.13.13
As temperatures begin to rise throughout the south-central Texas region, so should the catfish bite at Lake Placid. Lake Placid is a small 214-acre impoundment located on the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe County one-half mile southwest of Seguin. Primary access to the reservoir is located below the I-10 bridge.
Based on gill-net survey data collected in March, catfish populations at Lake Placid appear healthy and stable. Abundance of channel, blue and flathead catfish has increased in recent years. While the survey catch data was dominated by channel catfish, blue catfish abundance has nearly tripled, and 54 percent of blues collected were greater than the 12-inch length limit. Catfish up to 33 inches were collected. This translates to excellent fishing for all anglers interested in this whiskered friend.
Anglers fishing Lake Placid are allowed a total of 25 blue and channel catfish (in any combination) greater than 12 inches in length. Remember a valid fishing license is required to fish on Lake Placid.
Catfishing is a great summer activity for the whole family, and the status of catfish populations in Lake Placid offers anglers young and old ample opportunity. Catfish are typically targeted with rod and reel, trotlines and jug-lines. Several types of bait may be utilized; a popular choice among rod and reel anglers is punch bait, also known as stink or cheese bait. Live and cut perch and shad are also effective baits and are often used by trot and jug-line fisherman. Other baits include shrimp, squid, chicken livers and night crawlers.
Every spring, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) fisheries biologists set gill nets in reservoirs throughout the state to monitor the status of catfish populations. These survey data provide biologists with valuable insight into fish population dynamics such as recruitment (reproductive success), growth and mortality. Surveys help TPWD staff determine if populations are stable and balanced and if management or regulatory action is needed to better manage our fishery resources.
