%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F21574%2Fimages%2F1745947675044w2-edited.png&w=1200&q=100)
Millwood Lake Catfish Noodling: Twilight Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lockesburg, Arkansas, USA
- $575 - $2,400 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb07ecc78-b897-4c43-8e9a-e2d04bda21b7%2Fratecard%2F470196661_122141682188376175_4801331247740716506_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Catfish by Hand
null
null
null
Proud and fearless catch
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Proud and fearless catch
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Proud and fearless catch
Catfish Noodling Adventure on Millwood Lake
Get ready for a unique evening out on Millwood Lake, where you'll learn the art of noodling for some monster catfish. This ain't your grandpa's fishing trip - we're talking about getting down and dirty, using your bare hands to catch some of the biggest whiskered fish in these parts. Our 3-hour guided noodling experience is perfect for pairs looking to try something wild and different on the water. Whether you're a first-timer or coming back for another go, we'll show you the ropes and get you into the action.
What's the Deal with Noodling?
Noodling, also known as handfishing, is about as hands-on as fishing gets. We'll head out around 6 PM, right when those big cats start getting active in the shallows. You and your buddy will learn how to safely feel around underwater structures, looking for the tell-tale nibble of a catfish on your fingers. Don't worry, we provide all the gear you need to stay safe while you're playing chicken with these whiskered beasts. It's a rush like no other when you finally make contact and start the underwater wrestling match to bring one to the surface.
Gettin' Down to Business
This ain't no sit-and-wait fishing trip. We'll be wading into Millwood's murky shallows, feeling our way along submerged logs and cutbanks where the big cats like to hole up. Your guide will show you how to read the water, identify prime catfish hideouts, and approach them without spooking the fish. We use special gloves and arm guards to protect you from scratches and bites, 'cause these fish don't go down without a fight. You'll learn the proper technique for reaching into a catfish's lair, how to grip them securely, and the best way to wrangle them to the surface. It's a full-body workout and an adrenaline rush all rolled into one.
Why Folks Keep Coming Back
There's just something about noodling that gets under your skin. Maybe it's the primal thrill of catching a fish with your bare hands, or the bragging rights that come with landing a massive catfish using nothing but grit and determination. Our regulars tell us it's addictive - once you've felt that first tug on your arm and the rush of pulling up a big flathead, you'll be hooked for life. Plus, Millwood Lake is known for producing some absolute monsters. We've had guests pull up 40+ pounders, the kind of fish that'll make your arms sore for days (in the best way possible).
Catfish on the Menu
Millwood Lake is home to three main catfish species, each with its own personality and challenge:
Channel Catfish: These are often the easiest to find and perfect for beginners. They usually weigh 2-10 pounds, but we've seen some push 20+ pounds in Millwood. Channels love to hide in brush piles and creek mouths, and they're known for their quick, darting movements when you're trying to grab them.
Blue Catfish: The bruisers of the bunch, blues can grow to over 100 pounds (though 20-40 pounders are more common here). They prefer deeper holes and ledges, so we might have to wade a bit deeper for these guys. Blues are strong fighters and can really test your upper body strength when you're trying to haul them in.
Flathead Catfish: These are the prize catches for most noodlers. Flatheads love to hole up in submerged logs and bank cutouts, making them perfect for handfishing. They can grow huge, with 50+ pounders not unheard of in Millwood. Flatheads are ambush predators, so when you find one, be ready for an explosive fight. Their wide mouths can engulf your entire arm, which is both terrifying and exhilarating.
Time to Get Your Hands Dirty
If you're looking for a fishing experience that'll get your heart racing and give you stories for years to come, our Millwood Lake noodling trip is hard to beat. It's just you, your partner, and some of the biggest catfish in Arkansas going toe-to-toe (or should we say fin-to-finger). Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer months when the cats are most active. So don't wait around - grab your fishing buddy and book your spot now. We'll see you on the water, ready to wrestle with some whiskers!
Learn more about the species
Blue Catfish
Blue catfish are the heavyweights of Millwood Lake, often topping 50 pounds with some monsters pushing 100. These slate-blue bruisers prefer deeper water and stronger current than their channel cat cousins. Look for them near the main river channel or deep holes, especially where tributary streams enter the lake. Blues are opportunistic feeders, so fresh cut bait is key - I like using chunks of skipjack herring or shad. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when big blues are most active. Anglers love targeting these fish for their sheer size and powerful fights. When you hook into a big blue, be ready for a battle. My go-to rig is a simple Carolina setup with a circle hook - it helps prevent gut-hooking these valuable fish. Remember, blue cats are slow-growing, so consider releasing the big ones to fight another day.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Millwood Lake. These whiskered bottom-dwellers typically range from 2-10 pounds, though trophy cats over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them hugging the lake bottom near structure like submerged logs or deep holes. Channel cats are most active at night, making our evening trips prime time for hooking into one. They put up a decent fight and make excellent table fare. Locals swear by stinkbait, but I've had great luck using cut shad or nightcrawlers. When you feel that telltale thump on your line, give it a second before setting the hook - channel cats like to mouth their food before fully committing. These fish are a blast for anglers of all skill levels, offering consistent action and the chance at a real trophy.
Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish are the ambush predators of Millwood Lake. These big, mottled cats can top 50 pounds, with some old-timers growing past 70. Unlike other catfish, flatheads strongly prefer live bait - small bluegill or shad work great. Look for them around submerged timber, undercut banks, or deep pools, especially where the current slows. They're most active at night during the warmer months. Flatheads are prized for their firm, white flesh, considered by many to be the best-eating catfish. They're also known for powerful fights, often described as "like pulling in a log that fights back." When targeting flatheads, patience is key. Use stout tackle and be prepared to wait - but when that rod doubles over, you'll know it was worth it. Here's a local trick: try fishing the edges of weed beds where baitfish congregate.
About the Cat Snatcher Noodling Guide
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb07ecc78-b897-4c43-8e9a-e2d04bda21b7%2Fvehicle_picture%2F3d352b4d2a20c26e37820c25776e237f.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
