Catfish in Iowa
4 species documented in Iowa, alongside live conditions on the state’s 27 gauged waters.
Recorded species
Documented in Iowa
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
2,242 records
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
258 records
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
14 records
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
3 records
Bars compare how many records exist, which reflects survey effort as much as fish populations. Read them as evidence the species is present, not as a ranking of the fishing.
Live conditions
Biggest Iowa waters right now
| River | Drainage | Flow | Temp | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines River | 14,038 sq mi | 25,700 cfs | 66°F | 1h ago |
| Iowa River | 12,630 sq mi | 23,900 cfs | — | 16 min ago |
| Cedar River | 7,787 sq mi | 12,300 cfs | — | 16 min ago |
| Missouri River | 316,200 sq mi | 27,200 cfs | 44°F | 16 min ago |
| Mississippi River | 85,600 sq mi | 27,800 cfs | 65°F | 46 min ago |
| Raccoon River | 3,625 sq mi | 7,360 cfs | — | 31 min ago |
| Turkey River | 1,545 sq mi | 2,420 cfs | 63°F | 1h ago |
| Big Sioux River | 8,430 sq mi | 890 cfs | — | 16 min ago |
| Little Sioux River | 3,526 sq mi | 1,090 cfs | — | 16 min ago |
| Wapsipinicon River | 2,336 sq mi | 6,390 cfs | — | 46 min ago |