Species profile
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Identify Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 31 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 34 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 1 (Tennessee); the most generous is 100 (Wisconsin).
Across 14 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 25.6 in (≈ 2 ft 2 in).
Confirmed by 1,402 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Texas, Ohio, and Alabama the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Unlike most catfish, flatheads strongly prefer live prey — primarily other fish — over carrion or bait.
- The IGFA world record is 123 pounds 9 ounces, caught in Elk City Reservoir, Kansas in 1998.
- Can live over 20 years and continue growing throughout their lives.
- Their broad, flat head is adapted for wedging under submerged logs and rock ledges where they ambush prey.
- Native to the Mississippi-Missouri-Ohio River system but now widely established as an introduced species elsewhere.
Where Flathead Catfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Flathead Catfish
Background
The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), also called by several names including mudcat, or shovelhead cat, is a large species of North American freshwater catfish. It is the only species of the genus Pylodictis. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, they have been widely introduced and are an invasive species in some areas. The closest living relative of the flathead is…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Flathead Catfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Flathead Catfish?
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 34 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Flathead Catfish?
Flathead Catfish is Pylodictis olivaris.
Is Flathead Catfish regulated for fishing?
Yes — Flathead Catfish has fishing regulations in 31 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Flathead Catfish?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Flathead Catfish along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.