Catfish · Species guide

Flathead catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

Broad head. Shallow tail notch.
Illustration: Duane Raver / USFWS. Public domain. Fish are not shown at the same scale.

Look for these features

01Broad, flattened head with a lower jaw that projects beyond the upper jaw.
02Slightly notched; much less forked than a blue or channel catfish.
03Shorter anal fin than a blue catfish; confirm the head and tail features together.

Deep pools, cover and submerged timber are useful habitat clues, not a promise of fish.

TPWD species reference ↗ · Checked September 6, 2026.

Put it to work

Compare the head, tail and anal fin together, then record the species and bait in your catch notebook.

Identification is one part of the trip. Use current rules for the state and exact waterbody you fish.