Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Record Weight
123 lbs 0 oz
Elk City Reservoir, KS
Average Size
3-20 lbs
Preferred Temp
75°-85°F
Lifespan
12-28 years
Fight Rating
5/5
Taste Rating
5/5
Identification
Flathead catfish are easily identified by their broad, flattened head and jutting lower jaw (underbite), which distinguishes them from all other catfish. Their coloring is mottled yellow-brown to olive-brown, earning them the nickname "yellow cat." The tail is only slightly notched or squared off, NOT deeply forked like channel and blue catfish. The eyes are small and set wide on the flattened head. Young flatheads can be confused with bullheads but are distinguished by their mottled pattern and flatter head shape.
Habitat & Behavior
Flathead catfish prefer large rivers and reservoirs with abundant cover. They seek out log jams, root wads, undercut banks, rock ledges, boulder fields, and other heavy structural cover where they can hide and ambush prey. In rivers, they are found in deep pools, bends, and near logjams. In reservoirs, they relate to submerged timber, rocky banks, and creek channels with wood cover. Flatheads are generally solitary and territorial, claiming specific hiding spots that they use repeatedly.
Flatheads are solitary, nocturnal ambush predators. During the day, they wedge themselves into heavy cover like logjams, rock crevices, and undercut banks. At dusk, they emerge to patrol nearby areas for live prey. They are territorial and will aggressively defend their chosen cover from other flatheads. During the spawn (water temps 75-80F), males select cave-like cavities for nest sites. Flatheads are the preferred species for noodling because of their habit of nesting in underwater cavities accessible to hand-fishermen.
Best Techniques
Show setup details
Snapping the hookset with circle hooks — just reel tight and the hook rotates into the corner of the mouth.
Best Baits & Lures
- Live bluegill (3-6 inches)
- Live creek chubs
- Live green sunfish
- Live large shiners
- Live crayfish (large)
- Live bullheads (small)
- Live goldfish (where legal)
- Live shad
Seasonal Patterns
SpringSpring Fishing
Spring flatheads emerge from deep winter holes as water temperatures rise past 55F and begin feeding after months of reduced activity. They move to shallower water near wood cover and rocky structure. Live bluegill and sunfish fished near logjams and undercut banks are the top producers. Pre-spawn flatheads in May and early June feed aggressively and this is one of the best windows for trophy fish.
SummerSummer Fishing
Summer is the prime season for flathead catfish. Water temperatures in their preferred 75-85F range trigger spawning activity and peak feeding. Night fishing is most productive as flatheads leave their daytime hiding spots to hunt. Target logjams, rock ledges, and undercut banks with live bait such as bluegill, creek chubs, or large shiners. This is also prime noodling season when flatheads are on nests in underwater cavities.
FallFall Fishing
Fall flatheads feed heavily as water temperatures cool, building energy reserves for winter. They remain near cover but may roam more widely in search of prey. Live baitfish remain the top choice. As water drops below 65F, flatheads begin staging near their deep winter holes. Early fall (September-October) can produce trophy-sized fish in peak condition with maximum weight.
WinterWinter Fishing
Winter flatheads become largely dormant, holding in the deepest holes and timber-filled areas available. They eat very infrequently and are the most difficult of the three major catfish species to catch in cold water. Slow-fished live bait near deep cover is the only reliable method. In southern states with milder winters, flatheads can occasionally be caught during warm spells when water temps temporarily rise.
State Records
| State | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 123 lbs | 1998 | Elk City Reservoir |
Tips & Fun Facts
- Flathead catfish are the target species for noodling (hand-fishing), where anglers reach into underwater cavities to grab spawning catfish by the mouth. The practice is legal in about 15 states.
- A flathead catfish's stomach contents have included turtles, ducks, muskrats, and even small dogs, though fish make up the vast majority of their diet.
- Flatheads are so territorial that introducing them into new waterways can devastate native fish populations. They are considered invasive in several eastern river systems.
- The world record flathead catfish of 123 lbs was caught by Ken Paulie from Elk City Reservoir, Kansas, in 1998 using a rod and reel.
- Male flathead catfish do not eat for the entire 5-7 day egg-guarding period and will violently attack anything that approaches the nest, including noodlers' hands.