Attracting Catalpa Worms for Fishing Bait

Catalpa worms, the larvae of the catalpa sphinx moth, are prized fish bait. If your catalpa trees aren't hosting them, you can introduce the population yourself.

Understanding the Life Cycle

Female moths lay eggs on catalpa leaves in spring. The caterpillars feed gregariously, then drop to the ground to pupate in the soil. Adults emerge later to continue the cycle. The key to establishing a colony is ensuring that pupae survive in the soil near your trees.

How to Introduce Them

Collect caterpillars from a tree that has them (with permission) and place them on your trees. Allow them to feed and complete their development. When they crawl down to pupate, they'll establish a local population. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which kill the moths and beneficial parasitic wasps that naturally regulate the caterpillars.

Photos

Catalpa worm

Catalpa worm with parasitic wasp cocoons

With a little patience, you'll have a sustainable supply of top-quality bait right in your yard.