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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are Kansas's largest native catfish species and apex predators that can reach massive sizes - the current world record of 123 pounds was caught from Kansas's Elk City Reservoir in 1998.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • Easily identified by their distinctively flattened head, protruding lower jaw, and mottled yellow to olive-brown coloration with a white to yellow belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit deep pools, undercut banks, logjams, and rocky structures in rivers and reservoir creek arms.

Key Locations

  • Flatheads are found throughout Kansas waters including the Kansas River (considered the state's premier flathead fishery), Marais des Cygnes River, and major reservoirs like Kirwin, Sebelius, Lovewell, Glen Elder, and Wilson.
  • In Kansas, prime waters include the Kansas River from Lawrence downstream, Elk City Reservoir, and the state's major federal reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with shallow flats adjacent to deep holes - flatheads rest in deep water during the day and move shallow to feed after dark.
  • Productive locations include creek mouths, river channel bends with deep outside banks, logjams, and rocky bluffs.
  • Fish creek arms and tributary mouths on reservoirs, and focus on river bends with deep water and current breaks on flowing waters.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is essential for consistent success - large gizzard shad, bluegill, goldfish, green sunfish, and small carp work best. Flatheads will aggressively strike lures on occasion - they've been caught on crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics, though live bait remains far more effective for trophy fish.

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

Their feeding activity peaks in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), with reduced activity during winter months when water temperatures drop below 50°F. Avoid the late June through July spawning season when males guard nests and rarely feed.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Kansas?

Popular rigs include the Carolina rig for bottom fishing, three-way rigs for presenting bait off the bottom, double-hook Kentucky rigs for covering multiple depths, and dragging rigs with diamond-shaped floats for finicky summer fish. Position one bait shallow and another deep to cover both feeding zones.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Unlike other catfish species, flatheads are strict predators feeding almost exclusively on live fish including gizzard shad, drum, sunfish, carp, and even other catfish once they exceed 10 inches in length.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Kansas?

They inhabit deep pools, undercut banks, logjams, and rocky structures in rivers and reservoir creek arms.

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