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 Aredale. Right now in February, activity is Poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
For channel catfish anglers in north-central Iowa, Aredale offers access to the Shell Rock River, a reliable waterway for whiskered predators. While not a trophy catfish destination, the Shell Rock holds a healthy population of channel cats that can provide consistent action. Summer evenings are prime time, as the catfish become more active under the cover of darkness. Bait fishing is the most popular and effective method, with stinkbaits, cut bait, and nightcrawlers being local favorites. Aredale City Park provides convenient access to the river. Look for deeper holes, current breaks, and areas near submerged structure. Local tip: The river can be quite clear at times, so using a longer leader and a smaller hook can improve your chances of getting a bite. Also, be aware of the regulations regarding the number of lines you can use. The catfish in this area are generally in the 1-5 pound range, making them perfect for a tasty fish fry.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Aredale.
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 for catching channel catfish near Aredale?
Channel catfish respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include stinkbaits, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and cut bait.
Is there a limit on the size or number of channel catfish I can keep in Iowa?
No, in Iowa, there are currently no size or bag limits for channel catfish.
Do I need a fishing license to fish for channel catfish in Iowa?
Yes, you generally need a valid Iowa fishing license to fish for channel catfish, unless you meet specific exemption criteria outlined by the state.
Can I fish for Channel Catfish year-round in Iowa?
Yes, the season for Channel Catfish is open year-round in Iowa.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Iowa
Other Species to Fish in Aredale
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Aredale?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.