Flathead catfish adults are full bodied fish with small eyes, a flat head, and a round caudal fin (tail). The lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw. Flathead catfish are a mottled grey to an olive/tan color on the back. The belly is yellow or white in color. These fish can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weights of more than 90 pounds.
Habitat & Range
Adult flatheads feed mostly on the bottom on crayfish and smaller fish such as darters, sunfishes, minnows, shad, and smaller catfish. Feeding and movement increase at night. Flathead catfish are normally found in deep pools of streams or rivers and are normally associated with underwater structure. They are often commonly found in oxbow lakes and reservoirs in Mississippi. Spawning begins in May and continues through July in logs, holes, or depressions on the bottom when water temperatures reach about 72°F to 75°F. Males guard the nests even after eggs hatch. Tagging studies have shown flatheads are territorial and tend to stay in the same area. Flatheads should never be stocked in bass-bream ponds due to their voracious fish-eating habits. They will eliminate almost all but the very smallest bream from a pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 77.7 pounds, caught by Matt Bingham in the Mississippi River in April 2012.
Fishing Tips
The use of trotlines, limb lines, rod-and-reel, and jugs with live bait, along with hand-grabbing, are all common methods of catching flathead catfish. Because of their size and good eating qualities, they are usually considered the trophy of the catfish clan. Footer Accessibility Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy Staff Portal License Support: 1-800-5GOHUNT Main Office: 1-601-432-2400 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211 Copyright 2023-2026 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, All Rights Reserved.
