Catfish Fishing in Wisconsin

Catfish are an underrated Wisconsin quarry, with both channel catfish and giant flathead catfish thriving in the state's big rivers and fertile lakes. Lake Winnebago is nationally recognized for its flathead catfish, while the Mississippi, Wisconsin and Fox rivers hold strong channel cat populations.

Catfish are opportunistic bottom-feeders that use their barbels (whiskers) to locate food by scent and touch. They eat everything from baitfish and crayfish to insects and decaying matter. Dragging a soft plastic craw or creature bait along the bottom puts it right in a catfish's wheelhouse, especially after dark.

Country Cave Baits' craws and creature baits like the Knuckle Dragger are injection-poured in Fall River, Wisconsin with durable, scent-holding plastic. Dragged on a heavy rig along river and lake bottoms, they're an effective change-of-pace for Wisconsin catfish.