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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish are large predatory catfish native to Ohio's Ohio River basin but now found in numerous waters throughout the state.

They're solitary apex predators with voracious appetites and are primarily nocturnal feeders but will feed opportunistically during the day.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're easily identified by their flattened head, protruding lower jaw, and olive to brown coloration with dark mottling.
  • These fish can grow exceptionally large - Ohio's state record is 76.5 pounds from Clendening Lake, though fish over 30-50 pounds are regularly caught.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to Ohio's Ohio River basin but now found in numerous waters throughout the state.
  • In Ohio waters, they prefer deep pools, areas with submerged logs, undercut banks, and woody debris in medium to large rivers and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Prime Ohio waters include the Ohio River, Muskingum River, Clendening Lake, Hoover Reservoir, and Seneca Lake.
  • Popular Ohio locations include the Muskingum River pools, Ohio River between Marietta and Portsmouth, Clendening Lake's creek arms and deeper bays, and Hoover Reservoir's upper basin.

Specific Spots

  • In Ohio's rivers like the Ohio and Muskingum, target areas downstream from creek mouths, around lock and dam tailwaters, below river bends where debris collects, and near warm water discharge areas.
  • In lakes like Clendening and Hoover Reservoir, focus on deep holes 15-30 feet deep with nearby shallow flats, submerged timber, and creek channels.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is essential: bluegill, shad, suckers, chubs, and goldfish 5-12 inches long work best. For lures, large swimbaits, heavy jigs with live bait trailers, and big spoons can work, but live bait dramatically outproduces artificials.

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

Late spring through early fall, with peak fishing from May through September when water temperatures are 60-80°F. They become mostly inactive when water temperatures drop below 50°F, making them less active during Ohio's winter months.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Ohio?

Fish live baits on the bottom near structure using slip sinker rigs with 2-3 ounce no-roll sinkers. Anchor your boat and fish multiple lines in a fan pattern.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Feeding almost exclusively on live prey including sunfish, shad, carp, channel catfish, crayfish, and even other flathead catfish.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Ohio?

Native to Ohio's Ohio River basin but now found in numerous waters throughout the state. In Ohio waters, they prefer deep pools, areas with submerged logs, undercut banks, and woody debris in medium to large rivers and reservoirs.

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