Flathead Catfish — US fishing guide
Pylodictis olivaris
Ictaluridae
Flathead Catfish is one of North America's most sought-after freshwater game fish, found across large rivers and reservoirs in south and midwest. Below is where it lives, when it bites and how to catch it — plus the top US lakes where it has been recorded.
At a glance
Typical habitat
Deep cover, log jams
Active times
Night
Best season
Warm months
US range
Large rivers and reservoirs in South and Midwest
How to catch Flathead Catfish
Wants live bait; trophy fish target
Lake-by-lake occurrence data for Flathead Catfish is being compiled from GBIF and will appear here soon. In the meantime, explore US lakes by state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you find Flathead Catfish?
Flathead Catfish typically holds around deep cover, log jams. In the US it is common across large rivers and reservoirs in south and midwest.
When is the best time to catch Flathead Catfish?
Flathead Catfish is most active night, with the best fishing warm months.
What is the best way to fish for Flathead Catfish?
Wants live bait; trophy fish target