Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis olivaris)
Quick Facts
- Other Names: Opelousas cat, tabby cat, yellow cat
- Size Range: They can reach 100 pounds, but 5 to 30 pounds is most common.
- Native Species?: Yes
- Food Value: Excellent eating
State Record
- Louisiana State Record: 95lbs
- State Record Date: 7/1/2007
- State Record Holder Roland Lasseigne
The flathead catfish is one of the most commonly sought after members of the catfish family. Their wide distribution and great eating account for their popularity.
They are a mottled brownish yellow on top with dark speckling on a whitish belly. Distinct features include a large mouth, a prominently flattened head, and chin and mouth barbels (whiskers) used for smell and dorsal and pectoral fins with prominent spines, of which anglers should use caution.
They live in all rivers and lakes and are widespread in their range throughout the eastern and central U.S. Their preferred habitat is root mats, brush piles and undercut banks and shorelines.
They are commonly caught on rod and reel, jug lines, bush lines and trot lines. Flathead catfish can be caught on a wide range of baits including worms, fish, cheese, liver, chicken parts and crawfish. However, the most successful bait for these powerful catfish would be live sunfish fished on large strong hooks with heavy line.
Flathead Catfish Rules and Regulations
| Size Limit : | 14” minimum length limit |
| Bag and Possession Limit : | 100 daily in the aggregate. A fisherman may possess up to 25 undersized catfish of the three species combined. |
| Seasons : | Finfish |
| Special Rules : | 18” minimum length limit and 10 daily on Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo Bend Reservoir |
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