In this article, you will learn about the best catfish rigs you can use in rivers along with useful tips on how to use these rigs to get the best results.


In this article, you’ll learn about:

  • The different types of catfish rigs and what they’re used for.
  • What materials are used to make the rig and where to buy them.
  • What kind of catfish baits you can use for each type of rig.
  • How to tie each type of knot so they don’t slip off your line and into the water.

Catfish rigs for rivers are a bit different than those used in lakes. Catfish in rivers tend to be more aggressive and prefer a faster moving current, so they are more likely to be around the drop-off areas of the river. These rigs are usually made up of two or three hooks, with one being weighted down with a sinker. The other two hooks will have split shot on them to help keep them off the bottom of the river. They should also be baited with nightcrawlers or other live bait, as well as artificial bait if you don’t want to use live bait but still want to catch catfish.



Catfish Rigs for Rivers - Table List

S.No.ImageRigsBuy Now
1Hurricane Sliding Sinker RigBuy Now
2Breakaway Siamese RigBuy Now
3Boone Live Lining RigBuy Now
4Danielson Drift Fishing RigBuy Now
5Shaddock Fishfinder RigBuy Now
6Riptail Double Hook RigBuy Now


Catfish Rigs for Rivers

Here are the 6 best catfish rigs for rivers:


1. Hurricane Sliding Sinker Rig

The Hurricane Sliding Sinker Rig is a favorite among catfish anglers in rivers.

This rig uses a sliding sinker to suspend your bait over the bottom of the water, and it can be adjusted to slide along the bottom as needed. The rig consists of two main components: the line and the weight. The line should be at least 12-pound test, and it’s recommended that you use monofilament or braid fishing line so you can tie on your own sinkers if needed. You’ll also need some kind of swivel (like a barrel swivel) at the end of your line, with which you’ll connect your leader and hook.

The weight should be between 1/4 and 1 oz., depending on what kind of bait you’re using (larger baits will require larger weights). It should also have enough weight that it sits just above the river’s bottom when fully rigged so that when you cast it out, it doesn’t drift down into rocks or other hazards before reaching its destination where it will settle in place on its own accord thanks to its weight distribution being tipped back slightly off center by gravity pulling against its downward point until eventually settling upright again.


2. Breakaway Siamese Rig

For heavy currents, this is the most suitable rig. It is easy to set up and cast. The swivel has three rings, of which one ring is tied to the mainline.

The second ring is tied to the leader and the hook. A sinker can be tied to the third ring and a slider is used to adjust its weight.

The weight of the sinker ensures that as soon as your fish bites, you will get to know the action and can reel before the catfish tries to fight back.


3. Boone Live Lining Rig

Boone Live Lining Rig is a 100% live-lining rig that is constructed of the highest quality materials. This live-lining rig features a 2” x 2” x 2” square aluminum tubing frame, stainless steel hardware and an aluminum handle. The Boone Live Lining Rig is built to last with an ergonomic design that ensures maximum comfort and ease of use.

The Boone Live Lining Rig is a simple, effective way to catch catfish in rivers. The rig can be set up by anyone and requires only a few things: a 1/0 or 2/0 hook, 50-60 yards of line, a snap swivel, and a split shot sinker. Once you’ve got your gear ready, all you have to do is tie on the sinker then cast it out into the water. The weight of the sinker will hold down your bait while also attracting fish with its movement in the water.

The next step is to thread your line through your snap swivel so that one end of it comes out from under the swivel and has about 10 inches of slack before you tie on your hook. Then thread some extra line onto your leader (about 5 inches) before tying it off with an overhand knot at the end. Now you’re ready to place your bait onto the hook!

Once everything’s in place, start reeling in your line slowly until you feel something snag on it—that’s when you know there’s an angry catfish on the other end waiting for dinner!


4. Danielson Drift Fishing Rig

The Danielson Drift Fishing Rig is a fishing rig that’s designed to drift through the current of a river, letting you cover more water and catch more fish.

The Danielson Drift Fishing Rig is a great option for anglers who are looking to catch more big fish. This rig is designed to allow you to cast from the shore, and it will drift naturally with the current. The Danielson Drift Fishing Rig is easy to use, and it’s designed for those who don’t want to use a conventional line.

This rig comes in a variety of sizes ranging from ½ ounce to 4 ounces, making it an excellent choice for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a way to catch some big fish without having to spend all day on the water, then this drift rig may be just what you need!


5. Shaddock Fishfinder Rig

The Shaddock Fishfinder Rig is a great way to catch catfish in rivers. It’s easy to use, and you can set it up in just minutes.

First, you’ll want to find a spot where you think a catfish might be hiding in the riverbed. Then, tie your hook and bait on one end of the line. After that, attach the other end of your line to your weight so that it sinks down into the riverbed. You can then cast this rig upriver (in an upstream direction) and let it sink to the bottom of the riverbed by slowly reeling in your line until it gets stuck on something or reaches its maximum depth limit. Finally, jerk your rod back toward yourself sharply enough that the weight will dislodge from whatever it’s got snagged on and land somewhere else in the riverbed—but not too hard or too fast!

The best time of year for catching catfish with this rig is during springtime when they’re spawning; however, it can still work well throughout most of summer as well as autumn (depending on where you live).


6. Riptail Double Hook Rig

The Riptail Double Hook Rig is a simple, effective rig for catching catfish in the rivers. It consists of two hooks, one on each end of the rig. This allows you to catch fish from both sides of your bait, which makes it easier to keep the bait alive and attract more fish.

The hooks are attached to a long leader line, which allows for easy casting and retrieval. The leader line is attached to a swivel, which helps prevent line twist during use.

The line should be at least 20lb test, and you may want to use multiple swivels if you are fishing in deep water or with heavy weight.

The Riptail Double Hook Rig is designed to be used with freshwater catfish baits such as live or dead shiners or fresh shrimp.



Tips to use Catfish Rigs for River Fishing

Catfish Rigs are a great way to catch catfish in rivers. They can be used in any river, with the right bait.

First, you’ll need to get some hooks. Make sure they’re strong enough to hold up against the current and that they have a sharp point at the end so it can puncture the skin of your bait easily.

Next, you’ll want to find some line that’s strong enough to hold up against the current. You don’t have to use monofilament fishing line if you don’t want to; however, it is recommended because it will help prevent your hook from getting lost in the river or tangled up on some debris below the surface.

You also need a swivel hook attachment for your line so your hook doesn’t get tangled up in anything else when you cast it out into the water.

You’ll also need some bait! Catfish are known for being picky eaters, so make sure whatever kind of bait you choose is fresh and smells good enough for them (not just for humans).

  • Make sure you have enough line on the end of your rod. You need at least 15 ft of line to be able to cast with a catfish rig.
  • Use live bait, not dead bait for best results. Dead bait may not work as well in a river, but live bait will definitely attract more catfish than dead bait would.
  • Use a heavy enough weight so that the catfish will feel it when they bite down on your line.


Conclusion,

I have used these rigs to catch each and every type of catfish in the river so I can assure you that you cannot fail with these rigs. Remember to use the right bait and bring your pro angler skills. I have mainly targeted flathead catfish in the rivers and reservoirs and have always been lucky.

I hope this guide has helped you, I tried my best to create this list with the best yet cheapest catfish rigs perfect for rivers. If you have any suggestions or tips feel free to share it with me and stay tuned fo our next edition.

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