Catfish Fishing in Wisconsin

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In Wisconsin

Most catfish gurus will tell you to fish for the big ones in the rivers and the better eating ones tend to come from lakes and impoundments. In Wisconsin you have plenty of both. Many rivers, ponds, parks and small lakes offer catfishing opportunities. And, you'll find catfish in most of the WI major lakes including Beaver Dam Lake, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, Fence Lake, Gile Flowage, Green Lake, Grindstone Lake, Holcombe Flowage, Lac Vieux Desert, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Chetac, Lake du Bay, Lake Geneva, Lake Kegonsa, Lake Michigan, Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, Lake Pepin, Lake Poygan, Lake Superior, Lake Winnebago, Lake Wissota, North Twin Lake, Pelican Lake, Petenwell Lake, Rainbow Flowage, Shawano Lake, Shell Lake, Tomahawk Lake, Trout Lake and Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

The Wisconsin River was home to the Wisconsin state record channel catfish and the WI state record flathead catfish came from the Mississippi River.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Fishing for Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Channel cats can be caught most any time of year except in extreme cold water conditions. The best time of year tends to be spring and fall followed by summer and lastly winter. Channel catfish favor crawfish and small fish, so look for them at varying depths where there is rock or gravel that attracts the crawfish or other forms of cover that attracts baitfish and other small fish. In the warmer summer months catfish can be found in areas with moss, which they feed on.

Fishing For Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris

Flatheads are caught primarily on bait like live shiners and chubs and only occasionally on cut or prepared baits. They are the second largest of the catfishes and lie in cover of submerged logs or other large structures. Prime fishing time for catching flathead catfish is after dark.

Catfish Baits

If it resembles food in any way and emits scent or an odor it is likely to attract the interest of catfish. Every ardent catfish expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. The long whiskers of the catfish are always in search of an easy meal.

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
Catfish Conservation
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

Learning to Fish for Catfish In Wisconsin

The purpose of the page is to provide specific information about fishing for catfish in Wisconsin. Find information on basic trends and seasonal patterns of catfish here in the state of Wisconsin. Look here for tips, recommended tackle, techniques and more. We want to help you make your catfish fishing trips in WI more successful.

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Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left.

All About Fishing for Catfish in Wisconsin.

58 lbs - 0 oz

44 lbs - 0 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.

123 lbs - 0 oz

74 lbs - 5 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom.