Ivins Reservoir (Fire Lake)Channel CatfishSuggested starting point

Nightcrawler on a Bottom Rig

SourceLocal AnglerUntested locally

Setup

Bait or lure

A nightcrawler, threaded on so the hook point is covered

Tackle

6–7 ft light spinning rod with 4–6 lb line

Rig

Sliding sinker rig: 1/4 oz egg sinker, swivel, 18 in. leader, size 10 hook

Depth and presentation

On the bottom. A nightcrawler doesn’t float, so it stays down with the sinker.

Target species

Channel Catfish

See how it’s set up

Animation of a sliding sinker rig: slide on an egg sinker, tie a swivel, leader and hook, thread on a nightcrawler, cast, and see the worm rest on the bottom as a fish noses down to it — Step by step: the nightcrawler doesn’t float, so it stays on the bottom where fish are feeding.

A nightcrawler threaded up a hook shank with a short tail left hanging — Thread the nightcrawler so the point is covered.

A rod in a holder on shore with its tip circled and line running into the water — Set the rod down and watch the tip for a tap, then a pull.

Step by step

Slide the egg sinker onto your main line, then tie on the swivel. The swivel stops the sinker.
Tie an 18-inch leader to the other end of the swivel and a size 10 hook to the leader.
Thread the nightcrawler onto the hook so the point is covered, leaving a short tail.
Cast 20–40 feet out and let the rig sink. The sinker and the worm both rest on the bottom.
Reel in slack until the line is just tight. Set the rod down and watch the tip.
When the tip taps and then pulls steadily, lift the rod and reel at an even pace.

Why this tip is recommended

Observed locally

Not enough local reports yet. Help improve this tip by sharing your results.

General fishing knowledge

A nightcrawler doesn’t float, so this rig keeps it on the bottom instead of lifting it above the sinker.
Use it for fish that feed on the bottom. For fish cruising above the weeds, a floating bait like PowerBait rides higher.

Have you tried this strategy?

Your report helps rank tips for the next angler.

Channel Catfish strategies

Ivins Reservoir (Fire Lake)Channel CatfishSuggested starting point

Nightcrawler on a Bottom Rig

SourceLocal AnglerUntested locally

Setup

Bait or lure

A nightcrawler, threaded on so the hook point is covered

Tackle

6–7 ft light spinning rod with 4–6 lb line

Rig

Sliding sinker rig: 1/4 oz egg sinker, swivel, 18 in. leader, size 10 hook

Depth and presentation

On the bottom. A nightcrawler doesn’t float, so it stays down with the sinker.

Target species

Channel Catfish

See how it’s set up

Step by step

Slide the egg sinker onto your main line, then tie on the swivel. The swivel stops the sinker.
Tie an 18-inch leader to the other end of the swivel and a size 10 hook to the leader.
Thread the nightcrawler onto the hook so the point is covered, leaving a short tail.
Cast 20–40 feet out and let the rig sink. The sinker and the worm both rest on the bottom.
Reel in slack until the line is just tight. Set the rod down and watch the tip.
When the tip taps and then pulls steadily, lift the rod and reel at an even pace.

Why this tip is recommended

Observed locally

Not enough local reports yet. Help improve this tip by sharing your results.

General fishing knowledge

A nightcrawler doesn’t float, so this rig keeps it on the bottom instead of lifting it above the sinker.
Use it for fish that feed on the bottom. For fish cruising above the weeds, a floating bait like PowerBait rides higher.

Have you tried this strategy?

Your report helps rank tips for the next angler.

Nightcrawler on a Bottom Rig

Setup

See how it’s set up

Step by step

Why this tip is recommended

Have you tried this strategy?

How helpful was this tip? (optional)

Nightcrawler on a Bottom Rig

Setup

See how it’s set up

Step by step

Why this tip is recommended

Have you tried this strategy?

How helpful was this tip? (optional)