Catfish Fishing in Wisconsin

Featured Catfish Guides

Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Wisconsin.

Lazy River Guide Service

Spend the day with Captain Mario on the Mighty Mississippi River fishing for walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, northern pike, bluegill, perch, and crappies. Lazy River Guide Service brings you year-round fishing on open water or on the ice in the LaCrosse, Wisconsin area.

BluegillCatfishLargemouth Bass

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Catfish are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Catfish

freshwater

Catfish fishing in WI: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Green Bay. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.

How to Catch Catfish

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Points and channel edges
•Ledges/humps
•Inflow/outflow areas

Best Times

•Low light windows
•Seasonal transitions; follow bait

Bias patterns to Green Bay area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Catfish Fishing Regulations in Wisconsin

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

25 per day

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Wisconsin Fishing License

Inland waters and boundary waters may have different regulations; consult the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Wisconsin state wildlife agency before fishing.

Popular Cities for Catfish Fishing in Wisconsin

Sheboygan Madison Milwaukee Green Bay

Other Popular Species in Wisconsin

Walleye Smallmouth Bass Brown Trout Crappie Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Rainbow Trout Yellow Perch