UTERFlathead catfish fishing in Kansas freshwater
In Kansas freshwater, flathead catfish peak May–September and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Night fishing live green sunfish below the reservoir dams.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Flathead catfish in Kansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningNight fishing live green sunfish below the reservoir dams.
- JulySpawning
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish flathead catfish near Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake
Wind-swept prairie reservoirs for walleye, white bass, wipers and crappie, the Neosho's paddlefish, and big channel and flathead cats in the rivers.
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 Kansas freshwater?
Peak season is May–September, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Flathead catfish are here year-round. June: Night fishing live green sunfish below the reservoir dams.
Where do flathead catfish hold in Kansas freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Tuttle Creek, El Dorado Lake, Neosho River.
What is the best bait for flathead catfish in Kansas 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 Kansas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and change — read the current rule at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/programs-services/law-enforcement/regulations-statutes/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/licenses-permits-fees.
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