Planning for March Catfish in the Mississippi

[MathGeek]

The leading edge of a pretty good pulse of water has just reached Vicksburg and will start hitting BR by the end of next week. Predictions point toward an increase in water level of 5-7', maybe higher, depending on what happens in the Ohio Valley and Mississippi Valley with additional rain and melting. This is still 10' below flood stage, but will put water well into the trees.

I'm looking for advice from those with more experience in this game than I have. Is it too cold/too early for the catfish bite to turn on strong? Are the groups of trees south of LSU a good place to try? Is a certain water temperature needed to get things going, or will this early melt likely be productive?

I'm kinda betting by April, there may be way too much water to fish, as all the signs are pointing to early flood stages and lots and lots of water once the mid western melt really gets here.