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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flatheads are non-native to South Carolina, originally from Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri river basins, but were introduced to Santee Cooper Reservoir in the 1960s and have since established in nearly every reservoir and river system statewide.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Flathead catfish in South Carolina are large, distinctive fish with broad, flattened heads, small eyes, and protruding lower jaws.
  • Their mottled yellowish-brown bodies fade to gray bellies, with white-tipped square caudal fins (absent in large adults).
  • These apex predators average 15-45 inches and 1-45 pounds, but can reach massive sizes—South Carolina's state record stands at 79 pounds, 4 ounces, caught in 2001.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found throughout the Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto, and Savannah river drainages in both Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions.
  • Flatheads prefer deep holes in sluggish or slow water in medium to large rivers with good structure like fallen trees, stumps, and undercut banks.
  • They also thrive in large reservoirs, though growth rates are slower in non-river habitats.

Key Locations

  • Target flatheads in South Carolina's major waters including Santee Cooper Lakes (Marion and Moultrie), the Diversion Canal, Great Pee Dee River, Cooper River, and Edisto River.
  • The Santee Cooper system is legendary—the Diversion Canal produced two state records in 2001, and guide Don Dr.ose focuses on Little River and Santee River channels in Lake Marion's lower end.

Specific Spots

  • Present baits near structure at creek mouths, along river channels, around fallen trees, stumps, and undercut banks.
  • On lakes, focus on channel edges, holes along channel bends, points near channels, and creek-river confluences.
  • Look for depth changes from shallow to deep water.
  • In rivers, target the deepest holes with current nearby, especially outside bends where eddies form.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is essential, use live bream, white perch, crappie, sunfish, gizzard shad, or even small carp.

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

Prime fishing occurs from mid-summer through November, with September-October being peak season. Spring (April-May) offers good pre-spawn action as fish feed heavily. Winter fishing is possible but challenging as feeding activity drops significantly.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in South Carolina?

Present baits near structure. Anchor precisely over fish using double anchors and fish multiple rods with live baits suspended just off bottom. For noodling enthusiasts, this hands-on technique is legal in South Carolina, targeting flatheads in their spawning cavities during summer months.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Unlike other catfish, flatheads are highly predatory with a diet consisting primarily of live fish, they rarely scavenge and prefer live bait over decaying matter.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in South Carolina?

They're found throughout the Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto, and Savannah river drainages in both Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. Flatheads prefer deep holes in sluggish or slow water in medium to large rivers with good structure like fallen trees, stumps, and undercut banks.

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