Fishing Charters in Iowa
Browse fishing charters in Iowa that can help you catch channel catfish.
Ron Oman Charters
Cherokee, Iowa
Xicanx Fly
XICANX FLY. Iowa Driftless Fly Fishing guided trips. Premium quality Drifless flies for sale. Specializing in Euro Nymphing and innovative Trout Streamers, Bass Streamers, Pike/Musky Streamers, and Great Lakes steelhead flies.
Legends Guide Service
Paul Malone Fishing Inc
Fishing and Hunting Guide Services, bass fishing guide
Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service
IceBound Guide Service
Professional fishing charter service in Grimes, Iowa. Contact us to book your next fishing adventure!
Todd's Fishing Guide
Fishing Charter that provides the best Mississippi River Catfish, Walleye, Crappie, Blue Gill, and Bass Fishing. Book your fishing trip today with Todd's Fishing Guide!
Bear Creek Anglers
Wonderlich Outdoors
Wonderlich Outdoors Hunting and Fishing Guide in Iowa offer everything from ice fishing to whitetail deer guides to African safaris.
The Landing, a Riverfront Inn
At The Landing, we provide lodging rooms and suites in this beautifully renovated warehouse. Along with the Riverfront Inn, we have a gas dock and fishing barge along the Mississippi River.
Fish Okoboji
Fish on the Iowa Great Lakes in Okoboji, Iowa with JTG Expeditions, your professional Okoboji fishing guides.
Central Iowa Charters
Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Allison. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
If you're after channel catfish near Allison, Iowa, the Shell Rock River is your primary target. This river system offers excellent catfishing opportunities throughout the warmer months, with late spring through early fall being the prime time. Look for catfish around submerged logs, rocky areas, and deeper holes, especially after a rain when the water is slightly murky. Popular baits include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbaits. Many anglers find success using a simple slip-sinker rig. The Shell Rock can be accessed from various bridge crossings and public access points. Be aware of the river's current, especially after heavy rainfall. The catfish in this area tend to be a good size, with some reaching impressive weights. Local anglers often target them at night, as the catfish become more active and easier to catch under the cover of darkness.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Allison.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in Iowa
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Fishing License (unless exempt)
None
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Iowa state wildlife agency before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for channel catfish around Allison, Iowa?
Channel catfish are opportunistic feeders. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait. Experiment to see what's working best on any given day.
Is there a size restriction for channel catfish in Iowa?
No, there is no minimum size limit for channel catfish in Iowa. You can keep any size you catch.
Are there any limits to how many channel catfish I can keep in Iowa?
No, there is no bag limit for channel catfish in Iowa. You can keep as many as you legally catch.
Do I need a fishing license to catch channel catfish in Allison, Iowa?
Yes, you generally need a valid Iowa fishing license to fish for channel catfish, unless you are exempt under state regulations. Check the Iowa DNR website for exemptions.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Iowa
Other Species to Fish in Allison
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Allison?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.