Where Does Flathead Catfish Live?

Flathead Catfish lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Flathead Catfish

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in deeper pools, channels, and areas with submerged cover (logs, rocks, undercut banks).

Environment

Large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with slow to moderate currents. Prefers turbid waters and areas with abundant cover for ambush predation. Juveniles may inhabit shallower, faster-moving water.

Geographic range

Native to the central United States, primarily in the Mississippi River basin and its major tributaries, extending from the Great Lakes region south to the Gulf Coast states and west into Texas and New Mexico. Introduced in many other states and some international locations.

Explore Flathead Catfish