The big rains that pummeled parts of East Texas in early May caused many creeks and rivers to swell beyond their banks, likewise putting some lakes on a fast rise. While flooding can spell trouble us humans, it can throw good catfish bite into overdrive.

Channel cats and blue cats are prone to go on a tear when water levels spike. I’ll let Charlie Shivley tell why.

Matt Williams is a freelance outdoors writer based in Nacogdoches. His email address is mattwillwrite4u@yahoo.com.