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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish in Iowa are large, dark to olive-brown predatory fish with distinctive broad, flat heads and projecting lower jaws.

They're one of the most abundant large catfish in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and are found in most large interior streams across Iowa, plus flood control reservoirs including Coralville, Saylorville, Rathbun, and Red Rock.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Flathead catfish in Iowa are large, dark to olive-brown predatory fish with distinctive broad, flat heads and projecting lower jaws.
  • Adults often take on light tan or yellowish coloration when living over sand or light bottoms.
  • Iowa's state record is an 81-pound, 52-inch monster caught from Ellis Lake in 1958.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found in most large interior streams across Iowa, plus flood control reservoirs including Coralville, Saylorville, Rathbun, and Red Rock.
  • Flatheads prefer mud-bottomed areas and deep pools in large sluggish rivers, avoiding headwater creeks and high gradient streams.

Key Locations

  • Focus on specific Iowa waters like the Des Moines River around Des Moines (especially near the Raccoon River confluence), Mississippi River pools 9-19, Missouri River, Cedar River below Cedar Rapids, and Iowa River sections.
  • In reservoirs like Coralville and Red Rock, fish around standing timber, submerged roadbeds, and the face of dams.

Specific Spots

  • They're commonly found around drift piles, submerged logs, fallen trees, and hard-bottomed substrates of sand or silt.
  • Target deep holes with moderate current, areas below dams, wing dams, bridge pilings, logjams, and any structure providing cover.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits work best, particularly bluegill, bullhead, small carp, suckers, and chubs ranging 5-12 inches.

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

The best times to target Iowa flatheads are September-October when they feed heavily preparing for winter, and March-May during pre-spawn periods. Avoid June-July spawning when males guard nests and don't feed.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Iowa?

Popular rigs include Carolina slip rigs, three-way rigs, Kentucky double-hook rigs, and dragging rigs with diamond floats for suspended presentation. Use your electronics to locate baitfish schools, as flatheads will be nearby.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Young flatheads feed extensively on insect larvae, crayfish, mollusks, and worms, but fish over 20 inches become almost wholly piscivorous, taking live or dead fish from the bottom.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Iowa?

They're found in most large interior streams across Iowa, plus flood control reservoirs including Coralville, Saylorville, Rathbun, and Red Rock. Flatheads prefer mud-bottomed areas and deep pools in large sluggish rivers, avoiding headwater creeks and high gradient streams.

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