Fishing Charters in Iowa

Browse fishing charters in Iowa that can help you catch channel catfish.

Ron Oman Charters - Ron Oman Charters
Ron Oman Charters

Ron Oman Charters

Cherokee, Iowa

inshore
Cherokee, Iowa
Xicanx Fly - Xicanx Fly
Xicanx Fly

Xicanx Fly

5(12)Top Rated

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.

freshwaterfly fishingLargemouth BassSpeckled Trout
Decorah, Iowa
Legends Guide Service - Legends Guide Service
Legends Guide Service

Legends Guide Service

5(5)Top Rated
inshore
Fenton, Iowa
Paul Malone Fishing Inc - Paul Malone Fishing Inc
Paul Malone Fishing Inc

Paul Malone Fishing Inc

5(9)Top Rated

Fishing and Hunting Guide Services, bass fishing guide

Largemouth Bass
Pleasant Valley, Iowa
Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service - Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service
Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service

Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service

5(6)Top Rated
North Liberty, Iowa
IceBound Guide Service - IceBound Guide Service
IceBound Guide Service

IceBound Guide Service

5(3)Top Rated

Professional fishing charter service in Grimes, Iowa. Contact us to book your next fishing adventure!

Grimes, Iowa
Todd's Fishing Guide - Todd's Fishing Guide
Todd's Fishing Guide

Todd's Fishing Guide

5(16)Top Rated

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!

BluefishCatfishCrappie
Wever, Iowa
Bear Creek Anglers - Bear Creek Anglers
Bear Creek Anglers

Bear Creek Anglers

5(21)Top Rated
Decorah, Iowa
Wonderlich Outdoors - Wonderlich Outdoors
Wonderlich Outdoors

Wonderlich Outdoors

5(4)Top Rated

Wonderlich Outdoors Hunting and Fishing Guide in Iowa offer everything from ice fishing to whitetail deer guides to African safaris.

Des Moines, Iowa
The Landing, a Riverfront Inn - The Landing, a Riverfront Inn
The Landing, a Riverfront Inn

The Landing, a Riverfront Inn

4.9(176)Top Rated

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.

Guttenberg, Iowa
Fish Okoboji - Fish Okoboji
Fish Okoboji

Fish Okoboji

4.6(5)Top Rated

Fish on the Iowa Great Lakes in Okoboji, Iowa with JTG Expeditions, your professional Okoboji fishing guides.

Milford, Iowa
Central Iowa Charters - Central Iowa Charters
Central Iowa Charters

Central Iowa Charters

3(2)
inshore
Urbandale, Iowa

Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Cascade. Right now in February, activity is Slow.

Book a Channel Catfish Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

freshwater

The Maquoketa River near Cascade, Iowa, offers solid channel catfish opportunities. While not known for monster cats, the river holds a healthy population of fish in the 2-5 pound range, with larger specimens possible. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Focus your efforts in areas with deeper holes, log jams, and rocky structure. These cats love to hide and ambush prey. Traditional catfish baits like nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbaits are all effective. Fishing near dusk and dawn can increase your chances of success. A good spot to try is below any of the low-head dams on the river, as these areas tend to concentrate catfish. Be aware of the current and use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. A sturdy rod and reel are recommended, as even smaller catfish can put up a good fight in the current.

How to Catch Channel Catfish

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Cascade.

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 bag limit for Channel Catfish in Iowa?

There is no daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Iowa. You can catch and keep as many as you like.

Are there any size restrictions for Channel Catfish in Iowa?

No, there is no minimum size limit for Channel Catfish in Iowa.

Do I need a license to fish for Channel Catfish near Cascade?

Yes, you generally need a valid Iowa fishing license to fish for Channel Catfish unless you are exempt under state regulations.

What's the best bait for Channel Catfish around Cascade?

Popular bait choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbaits. Experiment to see what's working best on a given day.

More Channel Catfish Fishing in Iowa

Other Species to Fish in Cascade

Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Cascade?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.