anybody know of any bait store in the area that carry these.
a friend of mine is heading that way and is looking to try some if he can find any. thanks gordie

I'm not sure if this information is accurate, but this is what I have gathered over the last couple years.

Willow Cats are nothing more than baby bullheads and you can't buy baby bullheads at a baitshop in MN, I was told it is illegal to sell them. I saw a tank full of em at Everets Resort, but they wouldn't sell any to me

I don't know how accurate this info is, but it might help you find some!! It isn't too hard to net your own supply of baby bullheads... they are easy to keep because they are hard to kill.

Feel free to correct me if this info isn't accurate.

From what I understand, Willow cats can be purchased from a certified dealer in Minnesota. If after fishing you have some left, they can be transported in clean water, not river water. I also believe you can trap your own as long as they are from Minnesota waters. I don't think the Mississippi between Mn and WI is legal to trap.

Willowcats are not baby bullheads, they are madtom tadpole catfish, they are one of, if not the smallest member of the catfish family. Good luck finding any, with the FLW League in Winona. If you do find any be ready to pay at least $12 per dozen.

They are Tadpole Madtoms not baby bullheads. I know many of the tournament guys have had orders in for them long in advance. The last I heard there was a couple baitshops selling them for 12.00 a doz with a max of 2 dozen. Now that it is getting closer the the tournament they in extra high demand.
mw

Yes the FLW will be in Winona fishing hard come next week and like Mike said have order there willowcats some time ago.If you didnt find any by now it may be very hard to find them down here next week and if you do make sure your wallet is full they wont be cheap if you can find them.I also just wanted to pass on if you never seen these guy's fish come to Winona next weekend you will see some of the best walleye guys around and maybe even get some pointers i know i have talked with a number of them the last time they had there tourny here.Good Luck to all that are fishing it.

They are really tough to come by and go really fast when available.
Ace in Winona, had 60 dozen, but are supposed to be getting another 100 dozen Monday or tuesday.
Good Luck!

I did some digging and found some pics and biology on these tadpole madtom catfish. I'd post the link but I know how FM.com is anal about outside links.

I understand its a different species than a bullhead, but wouldn't baby bullheads work just as well and be easier to come by?