Channel Catfish Fishing in Wisconsin
Found in Wisconsin’s rivers and many lakes. The Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, and Fox River produce excellent channel cat fishing. Great fighters and excellent table fare — a summer night-fishing favorite.
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Found in Wisconsin's rivers and many lakes. The Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, and Fox River produce excellent channel cat fishing. Great fighters and excellent table fare — a summer night-fishing favorite.
Size Limit
No minimum
Daily Bag
10 (combined catfish)
Season
Year-round
State Record
44 lb
Wisconsin River (1988)
Best Months to Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What to Use
Live Bait & Natural
Cut baitNightcrawlersChicken liverStink bait
Lures & Artificials
Circle hooks with cut baitSlip sinker rigs
More Wisconsin Fish Species
Plan Your Channel Catfish Trip
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next channel catfish fishing trip in Wisconsin.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.