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Pylodictis olivaris
Can vary in color from dark brown to yellowish. Unlike channel catfish and others, it does not have a forked tail. Protruding lower jaw. Can reach Michigan record weights of 50+ pounds.
Illustration by Joseph R. Tomelleri © Flathead are caught are mostly on live bait fish and only occasionally on cut or prepared baits. They shelter in cover of submerged logs or other large structures. After dark is prime fishing time for catching flathead catfish.
Unlike other catfish, flathead catfish feed on only live prey. Adult flathead catfish are ambush predators, seeking out other smaller fish. However, the introduced population in the Flint River system was found to prey largely on crayfish.
Sexual maturity is at 3-7 years, and is earlier in males. Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. One or both parents excavate a nest that is usually made in a natural cavity or near a large submerged object. Females lay a mass of up to 100,000 eggs. Males guard the nest and agitate the eggs to keep them clean and aerated. The young remain in a school near the nest for several days after hatching, but soon disperse. Flathead catfish can live up to 28 years.
Found in large rivers, streams, inland lakes and Great Lakes, usually over hard bottoms. They prefer deep, sluggish pools, with logs and other submerged debris that can be used as cover. Young flathead catfish live in rocky or sandy runs in the river and in riffles, often under stones on riffles.
