What the Brushy Creek Catfish Classic is and when it happens

The Brushy Creek Catfish Classic is an annual fishing tournament held on Brushy Creek Lake in Iowa, drawing anglers who fish for channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. The event typically takes place in summer — exact dates vary by year, so check with the tournament organizers or the lake's management office for the current year's schedule before you plan your trip.

The tournament is open to both experienced catfish anglers and people fishing catfish for the first time. Participants fish during a set window (usually a single day or overnight period), and prizes are awarded based on the weight of fish caught. The event brings together people from across Iowa and neighboring states who share an interest in catfish fishing and the community that forms around these tournaments.

Key Takeaways

  • The Brushy Creek Catfish Classic runs on a set date each summer; contact the lake or local fishing authority for the exact dates for the year you plan to fish.
  • You will need a valid Iowa fishing license to participate, which you can obtain online or at sporting goods retailers throughout the state.
  • Catfish are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan to fish early morning or evening hours for the best chance at a catch.
  • Live bait — chicken liver, cut shad, or live bluegill — works better than prepared dough balls for attracting larger catfish in tournament conditions.
  • Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh from the moment you land it, as tournament weigh-ins judge fish on condition as well as weight.

How to register and what you need to bring

Registration for the Brushy Creek Catfish Classic usually opens several weeks before the tournament date. Contact the tournament director through the lake's office or check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for registration details, entry fees, and any specific rules for that year's event. Some tournaments allow online registration; others require you to register in person at the lake on the day before or morning of the event.

You will need a current Iowa fishing license to participate. You can purchase a one-day or annual license online through the Iowa DNR website, or buy one at any sporting goods store, bait shop, or Walmart location that sells fishing licenses. Bring your license with you on tournament day — you may be asked to show it at check-in.

Bring a cooler with ice, a net or gaff for landing fish safely, a stringer or live well to keep catfish alive during the tournament, and a scale or measuring tape if you want to track your catch before weigh-in. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish at dawn or after dark. Wear polarized sunglasses during daylight hours to reduce glare on the water and spot catfish movement.

Bait and tackle that work for catfish

Catfish respond best to strong-smelling baits. Chicken liver is the most reliable choice for channel catfish in tournament settings — it is inexpensive, stays on the hook well, and attracts fish consistently. Cut shad (fresh or frozen) works equally well and often draws larger catfish. Live bluegill or other small panfish are excellent for flathead catfish, which hunt live prey more aggressively than channel catfish do.

Prepared dough balls and stink baits have a place in casual fishing, but tournament anglers typically stick with chicken liver or cut bait because the results are more predictable. If you are new to catfish fishing, start with chicken liver in a small mesh bag tied to your hook — it releases scent into the water while staying contained on the line.

Use a medium-weight rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound test line. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a baited hook works well in most conditions. Catfish do not require fancy presentations — they hunt by smell and taste, not sight. A basic setup fished on the bottom near structure (fallen trees, rocks, or channel ledges) will catch fish.

Where to fish on Brushy Creek Lake

Brushy Creek Lake has several productive areas for catfish. The main channel and deeper holes (8 to 12 feet) hold catfish during the day, especially in summer heat. Fish the deeper water in the middle of the day and move to shallower flats (3 to 6 feet) at dawn and dusk when catfish move into feeding areas.

Structure matters: fallen trees, rock piles, and the old creek channel all concentrate catfish. If you have fished Brushy Creek before, return to spots that produced for you. If you are new to the lake, arrive early and talk to other anglers or the bait shop staff — they can point you toward areas that are fishing well that week. Catfish location shifts with water temperature and season, so current information is more valuable than a map from last year.

Public access points are available around the lake. Arrive early on tournament day to secure a good spot, especially if the event draws a large field of anglers.

Handling and keeping your catch fresh

The moment you land a catfish, handle it with care. Catfish have sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins — grip them firmly behind the head or use a net to avoid injury. Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its protective slime coating, which helps it stay healthy if you plan to release it later.

If you are keeping fish for the tournament weigh-in, place them immediately in a live well or on a stringer in the water. Do not let them sit in the sun or in a dry cooler. A live well with an aerator is ideal because it keeps water oxygenated and the fish alive and firm. If you use a stringer, check it regularly to make sure fish are still moving and breathing.

When the tournament ends and you head to weigh-in, transfer your fish to a cooler with ice if the weigh-in is more than 30 minutes away. Ice keeps the flesh firm and the fish looking fresh, which matters for tournament judging. Handle the fish by the lower lip or behind the gills — avoid squeezing the body, which bruises the meat and lowers the appearance score.

Tournament rules and what happens at weigh-in

Each tournament sets its own rules, so read the official guidelines before you fish. Most Brushy Creek events have a set fishing window (for example, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.), a limit on the number of fish you can weigh in, and a minimum size requirement. Some tournaments count only the heaviest fish; others award prizes for the largest single fish or the heaviest five-fish limit.

Weigh-in usually happens at a central location on the lake — often the boat ramp or a pavilion. Bring your fish in a cooler or live well and line up at the designated time. Tournament staff will weigh each fish, record the total, and return your catch to you. Some tournaments allow you to keep the fish; others require release after weighing.

Prizes are typically awarded for the heaviest total weight, the largest individual fish, and sometimes for youth anglers or first-time participants. Check the tournament announcement for prize categories and payout details.

Planning your trip to Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek Lake is located in Iowa's north-central region. Plan to arrive the day before the tournament if you are traveling from out of state — this gives you time to pick up your fishing license, scout the lake, and get a good night's sleep before an early start.

Nearby towns have bait shops, gas stations, and restaurants. Stop at a local bait shop when you arrive — the staff can tell you what is working that week, sell you fresh bait, and answer questions about current lake conditions. This local knowledge is worth far more than any general advice.

Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water. Summer fishing on Iowa lakes means heat and sun exposure. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin and stay cooler than you would in a t-shirt. Bring snacks and a lunch so you do not have to leave your fishing spot during prime hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Brushy Creek Catfish Classic?

No. Many anglers fish from the bank or wade in shallow areas. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more territory, but catfish are caught regularly from shore. Check the tournament rules to see if there are any restrictions on fishing methods or locations.

What is the best time of day to fish for catfish?

Catfish are most active at dawn and dusk, and they feed throughout the night. If the tournament allows night fishing, fish from sunset through midnight and again from 4 a.m. onward. During the day, focus on deeper, shadier spots and fish slowly — catfish are less aggressive in bright sun.

Can I use live baitfish I catch myself?

Yes, if Iowa regulations allow it. Check the current Iowa DNR fishing guide to confirm which live baitfish are legal. Most tournaments allow live bluegill, shiners, and shad. Bring a small net and a bucket to catch baitfish from the lake if you want to use what is available locally.

What should I do if I hook a very large catfish near the end of the tournament?

Take your time landing it. A large catfish can take 10 to 20 minutes to bring in, depending on the size and your tackle. Keep steady pressure, do not jerk the rod, and let the rod and reel do the work. If you are running out of time, land the fish and head straight to weigh-in — a large catfish is worth the rush.

Is there a youth division or beginner category?

Many tournaments offer youth or first-time angler categories. Check the tournament announcement when registration opens. If your tournament does not have a separate division, you can still fish and compete in the main event — catfish tournaments are welcoming to people at all skill levels.