UTERFlathead catfish fishing in Georgia freshwater
In Georgia 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: Altamaha, Satilla and Flint flatheads — invasive, keep them.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Flathead catfish in Georgia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawningAltamaha, Satilla and Flint flatheads — invasive, keep them.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish flathead catfish near Lake Lanier, Lake Seminole, West Point Lake
Spotted-bass and striper highland reservoirs north of Atlanta, the Flint's shoal bass, Seminole's grass bass, blackwater rivers full of redbreast, and the trout of the Chattahoochee and the mountains.
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 Georgia 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: Altamaha, Satilla and Flint flatheads — invasive, keep them.
Where do flathead catfish hold in Georgia freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Lake Lanier, Lake Seminole, West Point Lake, Lake Allatoona, Flint River, Altamaha River.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish in Georgia 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 Georgia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes.
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All about flathead catfish · Georgia fresh water, the whole year