UncommonNativeSecure
10
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris · Ictaluridae
Logjam ambush predator. Eats it live or not at all.
Common
15–30 in
Max
50+ in
Weight
Up to 80+ lbs
Best Bite Windows
When flathead catfish feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR45%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
60
MORN
58
MIDD
47
AFTE
62
DUSK
46
NIGH
35
Crepuscular · best at first & last light
Solar + Lunar
Major feeds7:48p – 9:48p5:09a – 7:09a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a7:58p – 8:58p
Solunar window 8:03p – 9:33p
Habitat
RiversLarge reservoirsTailwaters
Range
Deep river holes, logjams, root wads & undercut banks.
Diet
Live prey only — sunfish, shad, crawfish. Snubs cut bait.
Best baits & lures
Live green sunfish
Live bluegill (where legal)
Live shad
Gear up locallyPartner
Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Set live bait tight to logjams after dark
Work deep holes next to cover
Trophy flatheads are loners — one good fish per spot
Book a guidePartner
Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Flatheads want dinner alive — they'll ignore the stinkbait channel and blue cats inhale. Lake Conway has produced giants for 60 years, and the Arkansas River once gave up a 139-pounder.
Status
Secure
Native · Ictaluridae