Flathead catfish Fishing in Texas
Best lakes, limits and records for flathead catfish in Texas.
- 98.5 lbstate record
- 153lakes rated
Photo: USFWSmidwest, Public domain
.jpg){kind=link}
About flathead catfish in Texas waters
In Texas, flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) counts as a freshwater species. A 98.5 pound fish from Palestine, set in 1998 holds the Texas rod and reel record. Across 153 rated Texas lakes, TPWD gives 33 an excellent mark for this fish.
When and where to find flathead catfish in Texas
When
Spawns late May through August at 75-80F
Where they hold
Deep pools of rivers, lakes and reservoirs with turbid water and slow current; Feeds only on live fish once over about 10 inches; moves shallow at night
Flathead catfish facts from the TPWD species profile.
Where TPWD rates flathead catfish highest
TPWD ratings for flathead catfish by lake, highest first.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 114,500 acres in Jasper County.
See detailsLake Livingston
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 90,000 acres in Polk County and San Jacinto County.
See detailsFalcon International Reservoir
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 83,654 acres in Zapata County and Starr County.
See detailsRichland Chambers Reservoir
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 41,356 acres in Freestone County.
See detailsLake Tawakoni
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 37,879 acres in Van Zandt County and Rains County.
See detailsCedar Creek Reservoir
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 32,623 acres in Henderson County.
See detailsLewisville Lake
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 29,592 acres in Denton County.
See detailsLake Fork
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 27,264 acres in Hopkins County and Rains County.
See detailsChoke Canyon Reservoir
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 25,670 acres in Live Oak County and McMullen County.
See detailsLake Palestine
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 25,560 acres in Cherokee County.
See detailsLake Buchanan
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 22,211 acres in Burnet County County and Llano County.
See detailsLake Ray Hubbard
Excellent TPWD rating for flathead catfish, 21,671 acres in Collin County and Dallas County.
See detailsStatewide rules for flathead catfish
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead catfish | 5 | 18 in | ||
| Flathead catfish | 5 | 18 in |
Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Lake Abilene, Belton Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Caddo Lake, Calaveras Lake, Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Conroe, Fayette County Reservoir, Hubbard Creek Reservoir, Kirby Lake, Lake Lavon, Lewisville Lake, Lake Livingston, Lake Palestine and Proctor Lake.
Flathead catfish limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Official Texas marks for flathead catfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 56.63 | 49 | Ray Hubbard Reservoir | 2007 |
| fly fishing | 49.5 | 43 | Tawakoni | 2004 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 98.5 | 53 | Palestine | 1998 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 50.15 | 45.25 | Sabine Lake | 2016 |
Flathead catfish records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks flathead catfish
- Harlingen Sports Complex337 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Flathead catfish stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
What to know about flathead catfish in Texas
What is the Texas state record flathead catfish?
98.5 pounds, caught at Palestine in 1998, rod and reel all tackle.
What size and bag rules cover flathead catfish in Texas?
You may keep 5 daily with a 18 inch minimum.
Where should I fish for flathead catfish in Texas?
Among others, TPWD gives an excellent rating to Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Livingston, Falcon International Reservoir and Richland Chambers Reservoir.
What season do flathead catfish bite in Texas?
Spawns late May through August at 75-80F.
Where do flathead catfish hold?
Deep pools of rivers, lakes and reservoirs with turbid water and slow current; Feeds only on live fish once over about 10 inches; moves shallow at night.
Are there lake exceptions for flathead catfish in Texas?
Lake Abilene, Belton Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Caddo Lake and Calaveras Lake, among others.
Are flathead catfish stocked in Texas?
The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was Harlingen Sports Complex.
Can I fish for flathead catfish in Texas without a license?
Anyone 17 or over fishing for flathead catfish needs the freshwater endorsement on a Texas license.
By what scientific name are flathead catfish known?
Pylodictis olivaris.
Is a license needed for flathead catfish at a state park?
Normal flathead catfish limits apply, while the license is waived in the park.
Keep browsing Texas fish
More Texas fish like flathead catfish, with limits, records and best water.