Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
The largest catfish species commonly targeted by anglers in the United States, flatheads inhabit major river systems across the central and eastern states. A true apex predator that feeds almost exclusively on live prey, they can exceed 50 pounds and deliver brutal fights in heavy current.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- live-baiting with big suckers
- bottom fishing logjams at night
- anchor and wait in deep holes
Top Baits
- live suckers
- live bullheads
- large shiners
- live bluegill (where legal)
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Flathead Catfish, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Alabama 1 zone
No size or bag limit statewide for flathead catfish.
Effective 2025 · Source: outdooralabama.com
Arizona 1 zone
Combined 10 catfish daily limit for all catfish species.
Effective 2025 · Source: azgfd.com
Arkansas 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: agfc.com
Florida 1 zone
No size or bag limit. Flathead catfish are an invasive species in Florida.
Effective 2025 · Source: myfwc.com
Georgia 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 50.
Effective 2025 · Source: georgiawildlife.com
Illinois 1 zone
Open year-round. Combined catfish daily bag of 6 with channel catfish. Found in Illinois River, Mississippi River, Ohio River, and major tributaries.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov
Indiana 1 zone
Open year-round. No minimum size. Found in Wabash River, White River, Ohio River, and other larger river systems.
Effective 2025 · Source: in.gov
Iowa 1 zone
Minimum length 15 inches. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: iowadnr.gov
Kansas 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: ksoutdoors.com
Kentucky 1 zone
Daily creel limit 15.
Effective 2025 · Source: fw.ky.gov
Louisiana 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: wlf.louisiana.gov
Maryland 1 zone
Invasive species. Found in the Susquehanna River and select Chesapeake Bay tributaries.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov
Michigan 1 zone
Daily limit reduced to 1 statewide.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
Minnesota 1 zone
Open year-round. Found primarily in Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and St. Croix River systems. No minimum size.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us
Mississippi 1 zone
Combined catfish daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdwfp.com
Missouri 1 zone
No minimum size. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdc.mo.gov
Nebraska 1 zone
Combined catfish daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: outdoornebraska.gov
North Carolina 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: ncwildlife.org
Ohio 1 zone
Open year-round. Found primarily in Ohio River and its larger tributaries. No minimum size.
Effective 2025 · Source: ohiodnr.gov
Oklahoma 1 zone
Combined catfish limit of 15. Flatheads common in rivers and larger reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlifedepartment.com
Pennsylvania 1 zone
Open year-round. Combined catfish daily bag of 5 with channel catfish. Found in the Susquehanna River, Allegheny River, and other major waterways.
Effective 2025 · Source: fishandboat.com
South Carolina 1 zone
Daily creel limit 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.sc.gov
Tennessee 1 zone
Daily creel limit 2. Separate from other catfish species.
Effective 2025 · Source: tn.gov
Texas 1 zone
Minimum length 18 inches. Daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: tpwd.texas.gov
Virginia 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 20.
Effective 2025 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov
West Virginia 1 zone
Included in catfish aggregate daily limit of 8.
Effective 2025 · Source: wvdnr.gov
Wisconsin 1 zone
Open year-round. Found primarily in southern Wisconsin rivers. Daily bag limit of 2 on most waters. Flathead catfish are an invasive species in some Wisconsin waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TX | 98.5 lb | — | James Laster | 1998 | Lake Palestine |
| TN | 85.94 lb | — | Larry Kaylor | 1993 | Hiwassee River |
| GA | 83 lb | — | Carl Sawyer | 2006 | Altamaha River |
| IL | 81.4 lb | — | Jim Klauzer | 2015 | Lake Sangchris |
| IN | 79.5 lb | — | Glen T. Simpson | 1966 | White River |
| NC | 78.56 lb | — | Tyler Barnes | 2020 | Neuse River |
| MO | 77.5 lb | — | Scott L. Brown | 2003 | Montrose Lake |
| OH | 76 lb | — | Richard Affolter | 1979 | Clendening Lake |
| WI | 74.31 lb | — | Stan Hagensick | 2001 | Mississippi River |
| CA | 72.88 lb | — | Billy Joe Potter | 2003 | Colorado River |
| MN | 70 lb | — | — | — | St. Croix River |
| FL | 69.9 lb | — | Lavon Nowling | 2020 | Yellow River |
| PA | 66.38 lb | — | Michael Wherley | 2023 | Susquehanna River |
| MI | 64.46 lb | 45 in | — | 2025 | Plum Creek |
Caught a Flathead Catfish?
Log your catch and see how it stacks up against state records.
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