Best Gear for Fishing Below Dams (2026)

Ugly Stik Ugly Stik Tiger Elite

My do-everything rod for the tailrace. The Tiger Elite has the backbone to stop a 40-pound blue cat in current and the forgiveness to land white bass on the same trip without ripping the hook. Clear tip section is the magic — you see the bite before you feel it, which matters when the current loads the rod constantly. I have three of these and they outlast every "premium" rod I've owned.

Whisker Seeker Tackle Whisker Seeker Tackle Cataclysm

The serious catfish rod for serious anglers. Built specifically for big blues and flatheads, the Cataclysm has a backbone you can rest a sinker on and a sensitive tip that telegraphs even a curious tap. Fuji guides, custom reel seat. If you're fishing tournaments or chasing trophy fish out of strong current, this is the upgrade that matters.

Ugly Stik Ugly Stik Catfish Special

If you're just getting into catfishing or you fish the dam four or five times a year, this is plenty. Same Ugly Stik durability story, just plainer components. I started with one of these on the Arkansas River and it landed every fish I hooked for two years before I "upgraded." Honestly, it never broke and I still keep it as a loaner rod for guests.

Penn Penn Battle III 6000

Originally built for saltwater inshore work, the Battle III is the reel I trust against tailrace catfish and stripers. 35-pound carbon-fiber drag matters when a fish hits the current and decides to head downstream. Sealed body laughs at sand and silt. Have not had one fail in three years of hard use.

Abu Garcia Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 7000i C3

The classic catfish round reel and still my pick for serious blue cat work. Massive line capacity, bulletproof build, slow gear ratio for fighting power. I have one from 2014 that I've never serviced beyond cleaning and it works exactly the same. The 7000i is the right size for the Arkansas River system.

Bullet Weights Bullet Weights No-Roll Sinkers (3-6 oz)

These are non-negotiable for tailrace fishing. Round sinkers roll downstream the second you set them; no-roll sinkers stay put. I run 4-oz on most days and step up to 6-oz when the gates open. Get the assortment pack first time and you'll figure out what your river needs.

Whisker Seeker Tackle Whisker Seeker Tournament Circle Hooks (8/0)

Sharp out of the package, hold up to repeated catfish jaws, and the offset is set right for sticking the corner of the mouth on a circle-hook rig. Used for two seasons in our tournament rotation, no straightened hooks. The 8/0 is the workhorse size for blues 5-30 lb; step up to 10/0 if you're targeting 40+.

Power Pro Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid

Maxcuatro's 4-end braid construction gives you a rounder, more abrasion-resistant line than standard 8-end at the same diameter. Tailrace bottoms are rip rap and oyster-shell rough; this stuff takes the beating. Pair with a 30-40 lb mono or fluoro leader for hook turnover.

Garmin Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

Side-imaging is what changes the game on a tailrace — you can see the deep slots, the eddies behind structure, and where the catfish are stacked behind current breaks. The Vivid 7sv hits a sweet spot between price and capability. Don't need full chartplotting if you're mostly fishing one river system.

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