UTERFlathead catfish fishing in Pennsylvania freshwater
In Pennsylvania freshwater, flathead catfish peak June–October and are around May–November, spawning in July–August, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Susquehanna flatheads — invasive; anglers asked not to release.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Flathead catfish in Pennsylvania freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArriving
- JunePeak
- JulySpawningSusquehanna flatheads — invasive; anglers asked not to release.
- AugustSpawning
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish flathead catfish near Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run
Limestone spring creeks, stocked trout everywhere, Susquehanna smallmouth, Raystown's stripers, the Delaware's shad, and the Lake Erie steelhead (see Lake Erie).
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 Pennsylvania freshwater?
Peak season is June–October, with fish spawning in July–August (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Flathead catfish are in Pennsylvania freshwater May–November. July: Susquehanna flatheads — invasive; anglers asked not to release.
Where do flathead catfish hold in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run, Raystown Lake, Allegheny River, Delaware River.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit.
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 · Pennsylvania fresh water, the whole year