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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

  • 2lakes
  • 217logged catches
  • 32.69 kg heaviest logged

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) is one of the biggest catfish species of North America and a great sport fish that can put up a great fight. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, this fish prefers to live in large freshwater rivers and basins. Aside from its flat head, this fish looks like any other catfish. Flatheads grow to a length of 155 cm (61 in) and may weigh up to 55 kg (120 lb), making it the second largest North American catfish (after the Blue Catfish). The average weight of this fish usually ranges from 5 to 20 kg (10 to 45 lb). Like all Catfish, Flatheads prefer live prey. They are voracious carnivores and feed primarily on other fish, insects, and crustaceans.

What actually catches it ranked by real logged catches

Baits

Shiners 88 Large Cutbait 10 Crawfish 9 Medium Cutbait 8 Giant Silk Moth Larva 4 Mole Cricket Larva 4 Leeches 4 Frog 2

Lures

Crankbait 1 m, #2/0 4

Best setups by lake 2 lakes with data

Quanchkin Lake — 167 catches , best 32.69 kg

  • Shiners Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 85×
  • Large Cutbait Hook #6/0 Feeder bottom 5×
  • Giant Silk Moth Larva Hook #6/0 Feeder bottom Shore 4×
  • Mole Cricket Larva Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 4×

Neherrin River — 50 catches , best 14.98 kg

  • Crankbait 1 m, #2/0 Spinning Shore 4×
  • Medium Cutbait Hook #2/0 Feeder bottom 4×
  • Large Cutbait Hook #4/0 Float 170 m 3×
  • Frog Hook #4/0 Feeder bottom 2×

How to catch

How to catch a unique Flathead Catfish? You can catch this fish either with bait or lures.

If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Flathead Catfish would be to use Shiners on a size #4/0 hook.

If you are more into artificial lures, you should go for some Crankbaits. The most successful lure is Perch Crankbait 2 m, #5/0.

Where to find it

Quanchkin Lake Louisiana Neherrin River North Carolina

Also listed as effective documented, but not seen in the catch log

Large Minnows Small Cutbait #124#127#128#131 Crankbait 2.5 m, #6/0 Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm Crayfish 10 cm

Data compiled from fp-collective and the Fishing Planet Wiki . Snapshot taken 2026-08-20. Game content and imagery © Fishing Planet LLC.