Freshwater · Late spring through early fall; a night fish in summer
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
A solitary, big-river predator that ignores stink baits and eats live fish instead. Flatheads hide in log jams and deep holes by day and hunt sunfish and bullheads at night.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Very broad, flat head with a protruding lower jaw
- Mottled brown-olive colouring, with a square or only slightly notched tail
- Short anal fin with 14-17 rays, much shorter than a channel cat's
- Smooth, scaleless skin and a small adipose fin
- Look-alike: channel catfish has a deeply forked tail, a narrower head and spots on young fish
Habits
- Strictly solitary — one big flathead claims one hole or log jam
- Ambushes live fish at night; rests motionless by day
- Rarely takes dead or prepared baits, unlike other catfish
- Becomes inactive in cold water and feeds little in winter
Distribution
Where to find them
- Log jams and fallen timber in deep river holes
- Undercut banks and bridge pilings on big rivers
- Deep reservoir channels near timber, by boat at night
- Below dams where live baitfish gather
Where they live
How to catch them
Live bait at timber at night
Rig: Heavy sliding-sinker rig with a 7/0-9/0 circle or kahle hook
Bait/lure: Live sunfish or bullhead where legal
Key tip: Set up before dark right against the log jam and stay quiet. Flatheads hunt close to home.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 8 ft heavy catfish rod
- Line: 30-50 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Circle hooks 7/0-9/0, heavy sliding sinkers, stout swivels
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 5-20 lb; large fish 40-60 lb+
On the table
Good — white, firm flesh, especially the belly meat; best from clean water.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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