Celebrate National Catfish by learning more about Iowa’s catfish
and tips
for better catfish fishing.
Fun Catfish Facts
- Catfish are the most widely distributed and abundant sport fish in Iowa waters.
- Ten species of catfish are found here.
- Catfish don’t have scales.
- The “whiskers” that make catfish look like cats are really barbels, the barbels are covered with tastebuds that allow the fish to find food in the murkiest of water.
- Catfish have taste receptors all over their bodies.
- Catfish weighing from one to four pounds produce about 4,000 eggs per pound of body weight.
Catfish Fishing Tips
- Catfish, like all fish, are not randomly distributed, but are congregated in particular locations. Fishing success will depend on your ability to find these concentrations of fish.
- Light tackle catches more fish, but heavy tackle is required in snags and structure when catching large fish.
- Catfish can be caught year around.
- Use dead minnows or cut-bait in the late winter and early spring when the water temperature is between 35-60 degrees F.
- Use prepared cheese/stink baits in the summer when the water temperature is above 70 degrees F.
- Cheese/stink baits are most effective on fish 10 to 16 inches in length.
- Live bait is best for larger fish, those above 3 pounds.
Classic fried catfish recipe
¾
cup yellow cornmeal
2
tsp. salt
¼
cup all-purpose flour
1
tsp. cayenne pepper
Vegetable
oil
1
catfish fillet
¼
tsp. garlic powder
Combine
cornmeal, flour, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Coat fillets with
mixture, shaking off excess. Fill deep pot or 12 inch skillet half full with
oil. Heat to 350 degrees. Add catfish in single layer and fry until golden
brown (about 5-6 minutes depending on size). Remove and drain on paper towels.
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