Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

CommonTrophyUnique

Flathead Catfish in Fishing Planet. Find it in Neherrin River, Quanchkin Lake. Bait options include Leeches, Large Cutbait, Shiners.

How to catch Flathead Catfish

Baits

Lures

Anniversary Craw 11 cm

Anniversary Shad 11 cm

Bony Shad 10 cm

Club-Series Crankbait 3.5 m, #4/0

Club-Series Craw 15 cm

Club-Series Crayfish 10 cm

Club-Series Glow Shad 15 cm

Club-Series Glow-Holo Crankbait 2.5 m, #6/0

Club-Series Ribbed Shad 15 cm

Club-Series Shad 10 cm

Crankbait 1 m, #2/0

Crankbait 1 m, #3/0

Hooks and jigheads

Where to fish

Size by waterway

WaterwayFish classMaximum weight
Neherrin RiverCommon, Trophy16.5 kg
Quanchkin LakeCommon, Trophy, Unique35 kg

Fishing guide

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) is one of the biggest catfish species of North America and a great sport fish that can put up a great fight. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, this fish prefers to live in large freshwater rivers and basins. Aside from its flat head, this fish looks like any other catfish. Flatheads grow to a length of 155 cm (61 in) and may weigh up to 55 kg (120 lb), making it the second largest North American catfish (after the Blue Catfish). The average weight of this fish usually ranges from 5 to 20 kg (10 to 45 lb). Like all Catfish, Flatheads prefer live prey. They are voracious carnivores and feed primarily on other fish, insects, and crustaceans.

If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Flathead Catfish would be to use Shiners on a size #4/0 hook.

If you are more into artificial lures, you should go for some Crankbaits.

The most successful lure is Perch Crankbait 2 m, #5/0.