UTERFlathead catfish fishing in Florida freshwater
In Florida 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: Apalachicola and Flint flatheads — invasive in Florida, live bream at night.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Flathead catfish in Florida freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawningApalachicola and Flint flatheads — invasive in Florida, live bream at night.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish flathead catfish near Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River
The bass capital: Okeechobee, the Kissimmee chain and the phosphate pits for trophy Florida-strain largemouth, the St. Johns for shad and specks, the spring-fed rivers of the north, and South Florida's canals full of peacocks and exotic cichlids.
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 Florida 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: Apalachicola and Flint flatheads — invasive in Florida, live bream at night.
Where do flathead catfish hold in Florida freshwater?
Look on river, lake, bridge — around Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River, Harris chain, Lake Istokpoga, Miami-Dade canals.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish in Florida 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 Florida freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores flathead catfish for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about flathead catfish · Florida fresh water, the whole year