UTERFlathead catfish fishing in Arizona freshwater
In Arizona freshwater, flathead catfish peak April–September and are around year-round, spawning in May–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Lake Pleasant and the Salt River chain — big flatheads at night.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Flathead catfish in Arizona freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawningLake Pleasant and the Salt River chain — big flatheads at night.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish flathead catfish near Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Havasu
Desert reservoirs on the Salt, the Verde and the Colorado, the Colorado River itself, the trout tailwater at Lees Ferry, and the cold White Mountain and Mogollon Rim lakes.
What to use for flathead catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 55–92°F water, best at 72–86°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch flathead catfish in Arizona freshwater?
Peak season is April–September, with fish spawning in May–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Flathead catfish are here year-round. June: Lake Pleasant and the Salt River chain — big flatheads at night.
Where do flathead catfish hold in Arizona freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lees Ferry.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish in Arizona freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for flathead catfish in Arizona freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and change — read the current rule at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/.
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