Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Wisconsin

All about fishing for flathead and channel catfish in WI.

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.

Catfish Lakes

And, you'll find catfish in most of the WI major lakes including Beaver Dam Lake, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, Big Green Lake, Castle Rock Lake, Holcombe Flowage, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Chippewa, Lake du Bay, Lake Kegonsa, Lake Koshkonong, Lake Michigan, Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, Lake Onalaska, Lake Pepin, Lake Poygan, Lake Puckaway, Lake Superior, Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, Lake Wissota, Long Lake, Petenwell Lake and Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Wisconsin?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Wisconsin Catfish Records

The state record channel catfishwas caught in The Wisconsin River.

The state record flathead catfish came from the Mississippi River.

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. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Wisconsin. 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.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

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.

Catfish Fishing Video

Information for states with catfish.