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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish are non-native to Arizona, first introduced around 1949, with the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocking approximately 600 fish above Imperial Dam in 1962.

These massive predators are apex predators with voracious appetites and are Arizona's largest catfish species.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • These massive predators are distinguished by their wide, flattened heads, projecting lower jaws, and yellow to purple-brown coloration with pale white to yellow bellies.
  • Flatheads are Arizona's largest catfish species, capable of reaching sizes well over 50 pounds, with some specimens approaching 60-70+ pounds in state park waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit deep pools with logs, debris, and rocky areas in rivers, plus lakes and reservoirs throughout 17 hydrologic units in Arizona including the Colorado River system, Salt River, Verde River, Gila River, and San Pedro River.

Key Locations

  • Major populations exist in Roosevelt Lake, Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Lower Colorado River, Lake Havasu, San Carlos Lake, Canyon Lake, and Patagonia Lake.
  • Key locations include Roosevelt Lake (especially Salt River Inlet area, Cougar Point, Champagne Bay), Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Lower Colorado River from Lake Havasu to Yuma, and San Carlos Lake.

Specific Spots

  • During daylight, target thick cover like blowdowns, drift piles, submerged timber, rocky areas, and deep holes 10-45 feet deep.
  • At night, fish creek channel edges, tributary mouths, and underwater humps in 6-15 feet of water.
  • In reservoirs, focus on areas where flatheads transition between deep daytime holding spots and shallow nighttime feeding areas.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Flathead Catfish in Arizona?

Live baitfish - bluegills, small carp, sunfish, and shad are most effective. Use baitfish about the size of your hand or larger for trophy fish. Use large circle hooks.

When is the best time to fish for Flathead Catfish in Arizona?

Target flatheads primarily from March through April and September through October for peak action, with September and October being especially productive as fish feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Arizona?

Focus on live baitfish presentations. Hook live bait just behind and below the dorsal fin using large circle hooks. Employ slip sinker rigs with heavy weights to keep baits near bottom structure. Stay mobile - fish each spot 15-30 minutes then move to new locations.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

They're apex predators with voracious appetites, primarily feeding on live fish including bluegills, small carp, sunfish, bullheads, and shad. Unlike channel catfish, flatheads are almost exclusively piscivorous and prefer live prey over dead or prepared baits.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Arizona?

They inhabit deep pools with logs, debris, and rocky areas in rivers, plus lakes and reservoirs throughout 17 hydrologic units in Arizona including the Colorado River system, Salt River, Verde River, Gila River, and San Pedro River.

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