Flathead Catfish Fishing in Texas
Pylodictis olivaris
Also known as: flathead catfish, flathead cat, yellow cat, mud cat
Texas quick take
Texas flatheads stay active through a long warm season, but the best fish still come from tight cover connected to a channel edge.
Max Length
155cm
Typical trophy size
Max Weight
56kg
Record class
Water Temp
68–86°F
Preferred range
Difficulty
4/5
Skill level
How to catch Flathead Catfish in Texas
Texas flatheads stay active through a long warm season, but the best fish still come from tight cover connected to a channel edge.
Where to fish for Flathead Catfish in Texas
Target warm rivers, reservoir creek arms, old channels, cut banks, logjams, and standing timber.
Look for heavy cover with immediate access to depth so fish can hold secure by day and feed nearby at night.
Prioritize low-light current changes, inflow, or wind-driven movement that puts bait around the wood.
How to work the pattern in Texas
Use live bait tight to timber or cut-bank cover and keep it clear enough to swim naturally without burying in the snag.
On warm nights, hold on the best two or three channel-connected spots instead of drifting shallow water randomly.
Seasonal behavior in Texas
Extended warmth keeps Texas flatheads active across much of the year, with spring and early summer on spawning cover, summer nights on timber and channel shelves, and cooler periods pulling fish back toward the deepest wood.