2018 Reports
Red River Catfish Reports
January,8, 2019
Happy New Year! 2019 has started off with a bang. We have many projects going this winter starting with a couple Catfish Universities. One in Moorhead, MN with Moorhead Community Education and one in the Sioux City are on March 16th. We are also running the 5th Scheels Boundary Battle tournament in June and the Drayton Rod and Reel Rally in August.
We are currently taking bookings for the 2019 catfish season. So far winter says we are going to not have much snow so should be going in early May which means great early fishing. We still have some prime weekend dates available and of course tons of weekday trips. Book now to ensure you get in when you want.
November,8, 2018
We have some exciting news. This winter we will be offering a limited number of trips for Capt. Brad's other favorite fish, the northern pike. We will fish at Devils Lake or a small pond near Grand Forks using tip ups (ND allows 4 lines per person through ice.) This is a very fun way to ice fish and a great way to introduce kids to ice fishing. Rates will be $150/person with a minimum of two people. There will be special rates for kids under 16 if they are extras on the trip. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity please email or call for availability.
Don't forget to book your 2019 catfishing trip or buy a gift certificate for a loved one.
September,19, 2018
The big fish are really moving now but we are quickly running out of water to move around with the boat safely. We can go for a few more days but without some rain it is just going to become to much of a risk. We still have water above the dams but a huge lack of current making fishing inconsistant.
All in all 2018 has been a very challenging year but through years of experience we made it through as one of the most successful ever. We managed to break the all time number of fish landed in a season with over 2,000 coming in and we still have two weeks left to go. We are taking reservations for 2019 begining about May 15th for now as we don't know what type of winter we are going to have. Dates are already filling so if you want to reserve a specific date book early.
August,28, 2018
Sorry for the delay in reports. I have been fishing every day for the past month +. Fishing has been very good on some sections of river and not so much on others. Right now we are praying for rain to keep going on the areas below dams. We will always have water and always work hard for fish. There are still many mid-week dates available now through the end of the season. On a side note we crossed the fish number to make 2018 the 2nd best season ever, now for about 100 more to make it the best. If you want to get in and fish book soon to ensure you get to fish in 2018. We are already taking reservations for 2019/
July,17, 2018
Spawn is over and the fish are biting. We are on great numbers right now and river conditions are nearly perfect for this time of year. I have some limited dates available still for July and many great dates open for August and September. Get on the calendar now if you wish to be part of this great fishing on the Red River.
June,26, 2018
It has been a crazy busy month like June always is. We had many fish brought through the boat and many smiles photographed. It was an early spawn and fishing was rough in some sections but now that is ending which will give us a great run down the stretch with three full months of catfishing to go. Flows are fantastic and the fish are hungry as post spawn is getting going.
We will be unavailable July 1-13 so if you leave a message be assured that I will get back to you. We have openings beginning July 17 and even have a couple weekends open still with some really great fishing ahead. Plan your trips today. 701-739-5808 or braddurick@gmail.com
June, 8, 2018
It is safe to say the spawn in getting going early this year. We have been able to get our fish with hard work and good bait. Numbers have been good and big fish mixed in. Bait selection has been all over the place so be prepared to try it all. I have been on great numbers in the Drayton stretch as the last of the pre spawn fish are feeding up.
I still have dates available in June and of course beyond for summer. The Drayton bite is really quite good and would be worth the trip for big numbers and big fish. These are full day only and subject to change with river conditions. 701-739-5808
May, 28, 2018
My what a difference a week can make. We went from absolute gangbusters fishing to a 14 degree temperature increase and challenging fishing. I have never seen the water over 70 degrees in May before but it is 74 right now. The fish are shocked, as expected and my prediction is they will be heading to the nest mid week. At this point it may as well just stay super hot. The good news is we have still be catching fish and some nice fish at that and have a game plan in place for the next few weeks. I still have openings in June and beyond and we will have kayak trips available soon. WHAT A RUSH THAT IS!
May, 14, 2018
We went from a great scout trip to OH MY GOD! We were on the best numbers I have seen in years over the weekend. Lots and lots of trophy fish and they are in the mood to fight. The fish are taking about any bait as long as it is fresh. We still have some weekend dates available and even opening this week when we know the fishing is outstanding.
May, 10, 2018
A rapid change since my last report. We went from ice to flooding to perfect in about 2 weeks. It is now GAME ON! We are currently getting great numbers of fish and the big fish are moving in. I have tons of openings over the next couple weeks and even a couple weekend dates. Now could be some of the best fishing of the season with how condtions have shaped up. braddurick@gmail.com 701-739-5808 to make your reservation.
April, 17, 2018
The ice on the river is finally starting to break up. With the forecast over the next week I think that will clear out and begin warming the river. Right now I am anticipating getting started running trips around May 10th and expect really good fishing right out of the gate. With that, I am not sure I would want to accept any clients who might have substancial travel just in case Mother Nature throws a curve ball. We will be in full swing around May 20th and have lots of dates still available, even some weekends. Call or email to make sure you get the dates you want.
March, 13, 2018
It is still winter but a good snow storm last week will be a good help on water levels early. We will still need some rain to get and remain where we want it to be. May 4th is still the plan to kick off the season. Lots of dates and even weekends are still open so be sure to plan your trip soon to ensure you get the dates you want.
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT- We are venturing into "Adventure Catfishing", meaning we are going to start offering guided catfish trips from kayaks. This will take everything to a whole new level. Until further notice a trip for 2 will be $150 for a 4 hour trip with all gear and guide included.
February, 8, 2018
No changes in snow cover and it looks like we are going in low for 2018 so I wills start booking for the first week of May and beyond. We still have our caps available and sometime in the next day or so we will have guide service logo decals. You can order all of this from our shopping cart in the top right corner of the site.
One big announcement, we have changed hotel partners this off season. We are now working with the Expressway Suites to provide you better service. They are located near the interstate and have special rates for Brad Durick Outdoors customers. They have hot breakfast and a dinner app buffet every day for guests. To book your rooms call them directly at 701-757-7000 and tell them you are fishing with me.
January, 25, 2018
Dates are starting to book and it looks like another early spring. I am thinking we will be rolling early May now however a big snow storm could change that but not looking like it.
For the first time ever we have guide service caps made by Legacy and they are awesome. Order yours on our store in the top right corner of this page.
January, 10, 2018
Here we are already in 2018. So far other than a week of brutal cold we have had and easy winter. It looks like normal to low spring river conditions as of right now. There is so much going on that it is hard to take it all in. We start off with a Catfish University in Des Moines, Iowa March 17, then move on to one in Fargo the end of March (dates still being set). We are now booking 2018 for guide trips and the phone is ringing so if you plan to fish with us and know your dates get in sooner rather than later.
We also have some other plans in the works so stay tuned for that as spring approaches. The web site is currently being updated for 2018 as well. Thank you and have a great 2018.
