Flathead Catfish
🔬 Pylodictis olivaris
The largest catfish species in Michigan, Flathead Catfish can exceed 50 lbs and are found in major river systems. Unlike Channel Catfish, Flatheads strongly prefer live prey and are a challenging trophy target.
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Bite this month
Excellent
Best season
Summer (June–September)
Keeper size
15" at ~5 yrs
Regulations
15" min · limit 5
Where to Catch Flathead Catfish in Michigan
Flathead Catfish Conservation Status
Michigan requires a minimum length of 15" to keep. The daily bag limit is 5.
Flathead Catfish Habitat & Behavior
Deep, slow-moving pools in large rivers. Hide under logs, undercut banks, and deep channel structure. Found in the Kalamazoo, Grand, St. Joseph, and Muskegon river systems. DNR records show Flathead Catfish present in 90 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Grand Traverse and Van Buren counties. Bite activity rates Good or better in May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep and Oct.
Best Flathead Catfish Techniques
Heavy bottom rigs with live bluegill, large minnows, or bullheads — fish deep holes at night for best results
Best Flathead Catfish Baits
Live bluegill, live suckers, large minnows, live bullheads, fresh-cut fish
Flathead Catfish Fishing Regulations in Michigan
15"
Minimum size
5
Daily limit
10
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Minimum size of 15" applies statewide. Separate from Channel Catfish limit. Record broken in 2025 — Michigan grows trophy flatheads. Primarily found in larger river systems in southern Michigan.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Michigan DNR Flathead Catfish Stocking Records
Flathead Catfish Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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7 more recent stocking events available with Fishing Pro
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
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| Jul 12, 1995 | Sand Lake #1 | Grand Traverse | 25 | 30.4" |
| Sep 14, 1994 | Myers Lake | 1,203 | 3.9" | |
| May 22, 1992 | Baptist Lake | 23 | 28.2" | |
| Aug 10, 1990 | Sand Lake #1 | Grand Traverse | 26 | 27.1" |
| Jul 20, 1990 | Sand Lake #1 | Grand Traverse | 10 | 25.3" |
| Jul 13, 1990 | Sand Lake #1 | Grand Traverse | 29 | 26.8" |
Most valuable for Flathead Catfish anglers
See where Flathead Catfish will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 6 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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13
Historical stocking events
6
Lakes stocked
May
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Jul
May
Sep
Top Stocked Lakes
See the top 5 lakes most likely to be stocked with Flathead Catfish next season.
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Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
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Estimated Mature Flathead Catfish — September
See Which Lakes Have Mature Flathead Catfish Right Now
Based on DNR stocking records from 2019–2022, we estimate which Michigan lakes likely hold Flathead Catfish at keeper size (15") today.
Best Times to Fish Flathead Catfish
Angler Tips for Flathead Catfish
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