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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish in Louisiana are large, apex predator catfish that can reach impressive sizes, with the state record weighing 95 pounds from the Wax Lake Outlet in the Atchafalaya system. Fish in the 30-50 pound range are not uncommon throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive catfish are easily identified by their wide, flattened heads, projecting lower jaw (underbite), rounded tail fin, and yellow to purple-brown coloration with pale white to yellow bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found throughout the Mississippi River system in Louisiana.
  • They prefer slower-moving to slack water areas.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Red River (particularly around locks and dams 4 and 5), Atchafalaya River and Basin, Toledo Bend's deeper structures, Black Lake's submerged timber and stumps, Lake D'Arbonne, and Upper Ouachita River.
  • In Louisiana, they're found throughout the Mississippi River system, Red River, Atchafalaya River and Basin, Upper Ouachita River (more common in upper sections), Toledo Bend, Black Lake, and Lake D'Arbonne.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deep holes with heavy cover like logs, stumps, undercut banks, and brush piles in rivers and large streams.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Since flatheads prefer live bait almost exclusively, use large live baits like 8-10 inch bluegill, sunfish, bullheads, suckers, shad, or small bass where legal. Fresh cut bait from these same species also works well.

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

Peak fishing occurs from early April through late July when water temperatures are warm. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (late spring/early summer at 72-77°F) when males guard nests and won't feed.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Louisiana?

Present baits on or near the bottom using Carolina rigs or slip sinker setups, positioning them just upstream or along edges of deep water structure so bait can struggle above feeding fish. Fish the sandy bottom areas of the Atchafalaya for larger specimens, and use live bait in backwater feeder creeks.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Unlike other catfish species, flatheads are primarily piscivorous predators that consume almost exclusively live prey throughout their lives, feeding on sunfish, common carp, bullheads, shad, crayfish, and even birds and turtles.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Louisiana?

They're found throughout the Mississippi River system in Louisiana. They prefer slower-moving to slack water areas.

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