Wisconsin regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in Wisconsin 2026
Wisconsin Channel Catfish regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 25 fish a day; Daily bag 100 lbs/seine haul; Daily bag 100 lbs/seine haul. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (6)
Wisconsin statewide
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Daily bag
- 25 fish/day
Statewide: General
Consumptive Opportunity
- Daily bag
- 25 fish a day
Iowa Boundary Waters (Mississippi River)
- Daily bag
- 100 lbs/seine haul
(Oct 1–Apr 30)
Minnesota Boundary Waters (Mississippi / St. Croix)
- Daily bag
- 100 lbs/seine haul
(Oct 1–Apr 30)
Quality Opportunity
- Daily bag
- 10 fish a day
Also known as
Channel Catfish is also called Catfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked questions
When is Channel Catfish season in Wisconsin?
Channel Catfish season in Wisconsin is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Channel Catfish in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not publish a state-wide minimum size for Channel Catfish. Check zone-specific rules above.
What is the daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Wisconsin?
Daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Wisconsin is 25 fish a day in Consumptive Opportunity, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations/RegulationsToolbox
- https://widnr.widen.net/s/zxmwhb7j7n/guide_wisconsincommercialfishingregulations26
- https://widnr.widen.net/s/kxw6bgll9k/catfishbowfactsheet
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch. Last verified .