Flathead Catfish in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rules and water for flathead catfish.
- 50 (combined specieslimit
- 66 lb 6 ozrecord
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flathead catfish in the Keystone State, in short
The Fish and Boat Commission treats Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) as game fish; the 2026 Summary gives it rules across 2 water classes. Anglers on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing may keep 50 (combined species), season open year-round.
In 2023 Michael Wherley set the record of 66 lb 6 oz on Susquehanna River.
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- Variety of places including clear deep rivers to muddy ponds and lakesWhere it lives
- Chicken or beef livers, cut bait, minnows orLive bait
- Spinners and jigs tipped with a minnow or nightcrawlerHardware
- 20 lb. testLine
- 4 or largerHook size
From the PFBC Catch PA Fish page for this species, retrieved October 23, 2026.
flathead catfish in the 2026 Summary tables
| Water class | Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth inland waters | Commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under Lake Erie, Pymatuning, Conowingo or Delaware River and Estuary rules or | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
| Lake Erie | Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters and tributaries | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (PA Fish and Boat Commission; in effect or proposed as of October 1, 2025, PDF revised February 27, 2026), page 10 to 14. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
Record flathead catfish weights in Pennsylvania
| Entry | Weight | Angler | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish, Flathead | 66 lb 6 oz | Michael Wherley | Susquehanna River | Lancaster | 2023 |
PFBC State Record Fish page, retrieved October 23, 2026; records are kept by weight only.
Lakes and streams with flathead catfish
Streams with flathead catfish
- Susquehanna RiverDauphin County
PFBC species listings, Class A and stocked trout layers, the 2026 stocking schedule and state records; largest waters first.
Permitted guides for flathead catfish
- Hooked On Catfishingcharter, Highspire, (717) 304-9843
- Battlecat Catfishing Guide Servicefishing guide, Mt Joy, (717) 344-0540
Related species to flathead catfish
- Rock Bassgame fish
- White Bassgame fish
- Bluegillgame fish
- Pumpkinseedgame fish
- Redbreast Sunfishgame fish
- Crappiegame fish
- Yellow Perchgame fish
- White Perchgame fish
- Channel Catfishgame fish
- Bullhead Catfishgame fish
- Common Carpgame fish
- Freshwater Drumgame fish
Keystone water near Flathead Catfish, photographed
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: George Neat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Before chasing flathead catfish here: common questions
May I keep flathead catfish in Pennsylvania?
50 (combined species) on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing, season open year-round; other water classes have their own rows.
How big is the Pennsylvania record flathead catfish?
66 lb 6 oz from Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, caught by Michael Wherley in 2023.
Where do flathead catfish live in Pennsylvania?
1 water page here list it, led by Susquehanna River.
How many flathead catfish will the PFBC stock?
None are scheduled for 2026.
Is flathead catfish a game fish in Pennsylvania?
Pylodictis olivaris; listed as game fish.
Does Pennsylvania close the flathead catfish season?
Open year-round on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing.
Is the trout permit needed for flathead catfish?
Anyone 16 or older needs a Pennsylvania fishing license: $27.97 for residents, $60.97 for nonresidents and $14.47 for resident seniors, fees included.
Do Pennsylvania guides fish for flathead catfish?
2 listings mention it, among them Hooked On Catfishing.
Pick water for flathead catfish
The pages above carry access areas and rules.