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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish in Virginia are large, predatory freshwater fish native only to the Tennessee, New, and Big Sandy watersheds in the state.

However, their range has expanded throughout Virginia primarily due to illegal stockings, making them an invasive species in non-native waters.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish have wide, flattened heads with projecting lower jaws and can exceed 50 inches in length and 60 pounds in weight, with an average lifespan of 20 years in Virginia waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The species thrives in Virginia's freshwater rivers and lakes.
  • Native only to the Tennessee, New, and Big Sandy watersheds in the state, but range has expanded throughout Virginia primarily due to illegal stockings.

Key Locations

  • Prime Virginia locations include the James River around Richmond's fall line boulders and the tidal James River, the Dan River in southern Virginia, and lakes like Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and Buggs Island Lake.
  • Notable populations in the James River around Richmond's fall line boulders, the Dan River in southern Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake, Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir), Claytor Lake, and Lake Anna.

Specific Spots

  • They seek areas with overhead cover, preferring to occupy water underneath trees, undercut banks, or submerged structure like pilings where they can ambush unsuspecting prey.
  • Target areas with structure including large boulders, logs, fallen trees, pilings, and undercut banks where flatheads ambush prey.

Flathead Catfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Unlike other catfish, flatheads prefer live bait over cut bait - live sunfish are the preferred bait choice, hooked behind the dorsal fin to allow natural swimming movement that attracts predators.

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

Late spring through early fall, particularly September and October when they feed heavily preparing for winter. Avoid the May through July spawning period when males guard nests and rarely feed.

How do you catch Flathead Catfish in Virginia?

Present baits near but not directly in heavy cover, allowing live bait to swim and struggle naturally. In the tidal James River, focus on moving water during incoming or outgoing tides, anchoring above deep holes with structure and casting baits in a fan pattern. Focus efforts around dawn and dusk transitions.

What do Flathead Catfish eat?

Unlike other catfish species, flatheads are ambush predators that primarily feed at night on live prey. Juveniles consume insects and crayfish, but adults transition to a mostly piscivorous diet, feeding on sunfish, shad, carp, and other fish species - making up 99% of adult diet biomass.

Where do Flathead Catfish live in Virginia?

The species thrives in Virginia's freshwater rivers and lakes. Native only to the Tennessee, New, and Big Sandy watersheds in the state, but range has expanded throughout Virginia primarily due to illegal stockings.

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