COMMON NAMES: Flathead catfish, Shovelhead, Mudcat

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pylodictis olivaris

IDENTIFICATION: The flathead catfish is the only catfish in Ohio with its head flattened between the eyes and whose lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. This is also the only large catfish with a square tail. Their body color is usually yellow-olive or a dark brown with dark brown blotches. Their belly is yellow or yellowish white.

HABITAT: Found in large, rivers, inhabiting deep, slow stretches near strong currents. Prefers structure like submerged logs, brush, rip rap, and underwater piles of debris.

LIFE HISTORY: Flathead catfish spawn when water temperatures reach 70 to 80 degrees F. They build nests in dark secluded shelters such as natural cavities, undercut banks, or near large submerged objects. The eggs are laid in a compact golden-yellow mass which is fanned continuously. Flatheads have relatively low reproductive potential and are much slower to mature compared to other catfish. A mature female will only produce about 1,000 eggs per pound of body weight. After hatching, the young remain near the nest for several days in a large compact school. Flathead catfish feed almost exclusively on live fish.

ADULT SIZE: 5 - 15 pounders are common, and in prime waters, trophy status is granted to those exceeding 50 or 60 pounds. Flatheads over 100 pounds have been seen.

FISHING METHODS: Flathead catfish are caught on live bait, such as large suckers, chubs and bluegills. Anglers should use heavy tackle and cast near large submerged objects or drift piles. Fishing at night is often a successful technique for flathead catfish.