Physical Description: Flathead catfish have a flatter head than the other common catfish species in North America, hence the name. Also, their lower jaw extends further than their upper jaw, which is a distinctive characteristic of flatheads. Flathead do not have forked tails, which distinguishes them from the channel catfish, however their may be a slight notch in the middle.
Average Length: 10 to 60 inches
Average Weight: 20-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 20 years
Range: Nation-wide
Habitat: Flathead catfish live in rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and reservoirs and prefer cloudy water to clear water and slow but moving currents.
Feeding Habits: The flathead catfish is an opportunistic hunter and often sits in the same spot for long periods of time waiting for an easy catch. Flatheads love bluegill, but eat all kinds of fish including bass, shad, walleye, bullhead, and crayfish. They are omnivorous, often eating more plant foods when they are younger and smaller and eating more live fish as they get older and larger.
Bait: LIVE BAITS! This is the most important factor in selecting a bait for flathead catfish. Unlike the blue and channel catfish, the flathead catfish prefers, and almost exclusively feeds on, live bait. Baby bluegill work the best but minnows, nightcrawlers and crawfish tend to work well too. Try catching baitfish native to the water you are fishing to get the best results.
Flathead Catfish Spawning Habits
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