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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish in Mississippi are native apex predators reaching lengths over 4 feet and weights exceeding 90 pounds, with the state record standing at 77. 7 pounds caught from the Mississippi River in April 2012.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive catfish are easily identified by their broad, flattened head, protruding lower jaw, round caudal fin, and mottled grey to olive/tan coloration with yellow or white bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're commonly found in deep pools of streams and rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs throughout Mississippi, particularly associated with underwater structure like logs, stumps, and undercut banks.

Key Locations

  • Popular Mississippi waters include the Mississippi River itself, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Grenada Lake, Sardis Lake, Pickwick Lake, and numerous oxbow lakes.
  • Popular proven locations include the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, the tailwaters below dams, Tunica Lake, and the numerous oxbow lakes connected to the Mississippi River system.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deep pools with structure like fallen logs, stumps, undercut banks, and wing dikes along the Mississippi River.
  • In the Mississippi River, fish deep holes behind wing dikes where current breaks create eddies; in reservoirs like Ross Barnett and Grenada Lake, focus on submerged timber, stump fields, and creek channels; in oxbow lakes, work along dropoffs and fallen trees.
  • During summer, fish deeper water along creek channels and main lake points.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is most effective - use river herring, shad, sunfish (especially bluegill), suckers, carp, goldfish, drum, and bullheads ranging 5-12 inches. For smaller flatheads, try live minnows, crawfish, and nightcrawlers.

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

Late spring through early fall are the prime fishing periods. They prefer warm water and become largely inactive when temperatures drop below 50°F. Spring and fall offer excellent fishing as flatheads feed heavily before and after spawning.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Mississippi?

Effective methods include trotlines, limb lines, rod-and-reel, jugs with live bait, and hand-grabbing (noodling). Present baits on bottom rigs like Carolina rigs or tight-line near structure.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Unlike other catfish, flatheads are obligate carnivores preferring live prey including crayfish, darters, sunfishes, minnows, shad, and smaller catfish. Juveniles under 4 inches feed on insect larvae and crustaceans, while adults over 10 inches become almost exclusively piscivorous.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Mississippi?

They're commonly found in deep pools of streams and rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs throughout Mississippi, particularly associated with underwater structure like logs, stumps, and undercut banks.

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