Wisconsin is home to some of the most diverse freshwater fisheries in North America, and if you’re looking for a great place to catch catfish, you’ve come to the right state! Known as one of the top sports fishing destinations, Wisconsin boasts an abundance of naturally occurring and stocked lakes that are teeming with catfish—from giant flathead cats weighing up to 70 pounds to small bullheads.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the best spots for fishing for catfish in Wisconsin and highlight different techniques so you can get out on the water soon and have an unforgettable experience! Read on to learn all about it.
Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers numerous fantastic catfish fishing locations. Anglers can enjoy a variety of species and scenic surroundings while trying their luck at catching a big one. Here are some of the best catfish fishing locations in Wisconsin:
Lake Winnebago
Lake Winnebago is the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, covering an area of 137,700 acres. It has a maximum depth of 21 feet and an average depth of 15.5 feet. Historically, the lake served as a crucial transportation route for Native Americans and fur traders. Today, it is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and ice fishing.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Winnebago:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
- Bluegill
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River forms part of Wisconsin’s western border and offers incredible opportunities for catfish anglers. The river stretches over 2,320 miles, with countless fishing spots along its course. It has a rich history, serving as a vital waterway for trade and transportation since prehistoric times.
Fish species commonly found in the Mississippi River:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
Fox River
The Fox River is a tributary of the Mississippi River and spans approximately 202 miles. It flows through central and eastern Wisconsin and provides excellent catfish fishing opportunities. The river played a significant role in the development of the region’s industry and agriculture during the 19th century.
Fish species commonly found in the Fox River:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
- Muskellunge
Wisconsin River
The Wisconsin River is the longest river in the state, spanning approximately 430 miles. It flows from the northern part of the state and empties into the Mississippi River. The river has a rich history, with Native American tribes relying on it for transportation, trade, and sustenance.
Fish species commonly found in the Wisconsin River:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Sturgeon
Lake Koshkonong
Lake Koshkonong is located in southern Wisconsin and covers an area of approximately 10,460 acres. The lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and an average depth of 4 feet. It is a popular destination for anglers due to its diverse fish population and beautiful surroundings.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Koshkonong:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Largemouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- Panfish
Lake Poygan
Lake Poygan is a 14,102-acre lake situated in northeastern Wisconsin. It is part of the Winnebago Pool, which includes Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts. The lake has a maximum depth of 11 feet and an average depth of 6 feet. It offers excellent fishing opportunities due to its diverse aquatic habitat and abundant fish population.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Poygan:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Walleye
- White Bass
- Yellow Perch
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is a popular fishing destination located in Door County, Wisconsin. This bay connects Green Bay with Lake Michigan and offers a unique fishing experience due to its diverse ecosystem. With a rich maritime history, Sturgeon Bay hosts several shipwrecks attracting divers and anglers alike.
Fish species commonly found in Sturgeon Bay:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Chinook Salmon
Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is the largest of the four Yahara Chain lakes, covering an area of 9,781 acres. It is located in Dane County and has a maximum depth of 83 feet and an average depth of 30 feet. The lake is known for its picturesque surroundings and offers great fishing opportunities due to its diverse fish population.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Mendota:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Muskellunge
Chippewa River
The Chippewa River flows for approximately 183 miles through west-central Wisconsin. It is a tributary of the Mississippi River and offers excellent catfish fishing opportunities due to its varied habitats and numerous deep holes. The river has played an important role in the region’s history, with Native American tribes and European settlers utilizing it for trade and transportation.
Fish species commonly found in the Chippewa River:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
Green Bay
Green Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan and covers an area of approximately 1,626 square miles. It is one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the world and offers diverse fishing opportunities due to its rich aquatic habitat. The bay has played a significant role in the region’s history, serving as a vital waterway for trade and transportation.
Fish species commonly found in Green Bay:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
Wisconsin offers plenty of catfish fishing opportunities at diverse locations. Anglers of all skill levels can find attractive destinations with unique features and historical significance at each location.
Incubation Period of Catfish in Wisconsin
The incubation period of catfish eggs plays a crucial role in their reproductive success. In Wisconsin, catfish species such as channel catfish and flathead catfish are commonly found in various water bodies. Understanding the incubation period of these fish is essential for successful angling and conservation efforts.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are the most common species in Wisconsin. They prefer slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms. The spawning season for channel catfish usually takes place between late spring and early summer, when water temperatures reach 70-75°F (21-24°C).
During spawning, male channel catfish prepare a nest (usually in natural cavities, under logs, or rocks) and attract a female to lay her eggs. The male fertilises the eggs and guards the nest once the eggs are laid. The incubation period for channel catfish eggs typically ranges from 6 to 10 days, depending on water temperature. Warmer water temperatures can shorten the incubation period, while cooler temperatures may prolong it.
After hatching, the fry remain in the nest for several days, absorbing the yolk sac before venturing out to feed on zooplankton and other small organisms.
Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are another popular catfish species in Wisconsin. They inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with deep pools and slow currents. Flathead catfish spawn a bit later than channel catfish, usually when water temperatures reach around 75°F (24°C).
Like channel catfish, male flathead catfish create nests in natural cavities or under large submerged objects. After attracting a female to lay her eggs, the male fertilizes the eggs and protects the nest. The incubation period for flathead catfish eggs is generally between 5 and 10 days, depending on water temperature.
Once the eggs hatch, the fry stay close to the nest for several days before dispersing to feed on small fish and invertebrates.
The incubation period of catfish in Wisconsin is influenced by water temperature and can vary between species. Knowledge of these factors can help anglers target catfish more effectively during their spawning season and contribute to the conservation of these fascinating fish.