Pylodictis olivaris
How to identify a Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish are found in slow rivers, holes, lake channels; after-dark shallows in summer. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentFreshwater
SeasonLate Spring–Early Fall; night bite windows
Season snapshot — September–November Flathead Catfish sit inside their core freshwater window (September–November) right now — historically the stretch where effort pays off most. Window timing shifts with latitude and local regulation.
Habitat and range
Slow rivers, holes, lake channels; after-dark shallows in summer
Where to catch Flathead Catfish
- Kansas reservoirs/rivers
- Ohio River — all species we list for this fishery
- AZ canals (introduced)
Flathead Catfish by state
State season calendars that list Flathead Catfish — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- Illinois — seasons, best months and licence info
- Indiana — seasons, best months and licence info
- Kansas — seasons, best months and licence info
- Kentucky — seasons, best months and licence info
- Ohio — seasons, best months and licence info
- Pennsylvania — seasons, best months and licence info
- West Virginia — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Cut bait · stink bait · live bait · bottom rigs
Detailed identification guides
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Flathead Catfish:
- Blue Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Butter Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Channel Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Giant Mekong Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Iridescent Shark Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Jau Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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