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 Lisbon. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish anglers in the Lisbon, Iowa area should set their sights on the Wapsipinicon River. This river offers a diverse habitat, with plenty of deep holes, rocky bottoms, and submerged structure that catfish love. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are ideal for targeting channel cats. Night fishing is particularly productive, as they become more active under the cover of darkness. Stinkbaits, cut bait (especially shad or bluegill), and live nightcrawlers are all effective baits. A practical tip: focus your efforts on areas with current breaks or near downed trees. Also, be aware that the river levels can fluctuate, especially after heavy rains, so check conditions before you go. There is a good public access point with a boat ramp in Lisbon. The Wapsipinicon River channel catfish tend to be in the 2-8 pound range, with the occasional larger fish exceeding 10 pounds.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Lisbon.
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 kind of license do I need to fish for channel catfish near Lisbon, Iowa?
You'll need a valid Iowa fishing license to fish for channel catfish unless you qualify for an exemption. Check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for exemption details.
Is there a limit to how many channel catfish I can keep in Lisbon?
No, there is no daily bag limit or size restriction for channel catfish in Iowa. Feel free to keep what you catch.
What are some good spots to catch channel catfish near Lisbon?
Look for channel catfish in rivers, streams, and lakes around Lisbon. Focus on areas with structure like submerged logs, rocks, and deep holes.
What bait works best for channel catfish in the Lisbon area?
Channel catfish are not picky eaters. Try using nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or commercially prepared stink baits for the best results.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Iowa
Other Species to Fish in Lisbon
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Lisbon?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.