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Flathead Catfish


Flathead Catfish are most easily recognized by their broad, flat head, brown mottled coloration, and lower jaw which sticks out.

Catfish have four barbels ("whiskers") that hang from the lower jaw, two from each corner of the mouth and two from the top of the head near the mouth.

Flathead Catfish Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.
Season Open Year-Round

INVASIVE: Please do not return to water. Immediately kill and contact Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.
Size Limit No Size Limit

INVASIVE: Please do not return to water. Immediately kill and contact Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.
Daily Limit / Person No Limit

INVASIVE: Please do not return to water. Immediately kill and contact Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.
Delaware Range Flathead Catfish have now been reported in Lums Pond, the Brandywine River and the C&D Canal.
Abundance in Delaware Waters Uncommon (for now)
General Habitat and Food Preferences Flathead Catfish prefer the deep pools of streams, rivers, and canals, where large woody debris or boulder cover can be found, and the currents are moderate.

Unlike other catfish, that are scavengers, Flathead Catfish prey only on live fish and crustaceans.
Did You Know? Flathead Catfish are an introduced species to Delaware (meaning they are non-native).

Flathead Catfish have been shown to severely reduce Redbreast Sunfish populations and crustaceans in other states.

Catfish have spines on the dorsal fin and pectoral fines near the head. Anglers often get punctured by these spines when handling catfish. The spines have mild venom, however it is not deadly. Be careful when handling.
The barbels ("whiskers") have taste buds that assist catfish in finding food. The whiskers are harmless.

Catfish possess excellent senses of smell and taste because their entire body is also covered in taste buds. They help the catfish find food in dark or muddy water.

Flathead Catfish often feed by sight, during the day as well as at night.
Common Lures and Baits Live fish, such as Golden Shiners, hooked through the back with a slider rig are often used for the predatory Flathead Catfish.

INVASIVE: Please do not return to water. Immediately kill and contact Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.
Typical Sizes Caught Being a newer potentially invasive species to Delaware, minimal information is available on the recreational catch of Flathead Catfish.

The Flathead Catfish is a large fish that can exceed 60 inches in length and weigh as much as 80 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight No Live Release Awards will be given for Flathead Catfish.

Sport Fishing Tournament Award (must be dead at the time of weigh-in)
Adult: 20 pounds minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 15 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record The minimum qualifying weight, to establish Delaware’s first state record for this species, is 30 pounds



    

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