Flathead Catfish in Virginia
Virginia limits, the state record and the waters for flathead catfish.
- 20 a daybag
- 68 lbs. 12 oz.record
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Virginia flathead catfish in short
The digest row that sets the flathead catfish limit is the one titled "Channel, White, and Flathead". The creel column reads: 20 per day. On size the row says: No length limits.
The DWR record list (as of 9-2-2025) shows 68 lbs. 12 oz. for flathead catfish, from Lake Smith in 2018. Of 15 Virginia water pages naming flathead catfish, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston Reservoir and Claytor Lake head the list. Its limit changes on 1 water, among them All rivers below the fall line.
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), Catfishes (Ictaluridae).
Statewide creel and length limits as printed (page updated August 17, 2026), 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
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| Where it applies | Row as printed | Creel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| statewide | Channel, White, and Flathead | 20 per day | No length limits |
Statewide creel and length limits as printed (page updated August 17, 2026), 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
Virginia waters where the digest rewrites the flathead catfish limit
| Water as printed | Group | Rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| All rivers below the fall line | No daily limit |
Water-specific exceptions as printed, 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
Virginia's flathead catfish record row
| Weight as printed | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 68 lbs. 12 oz. | Lake Smith | 5-25-2018 |
| 49 lbs. 3 oz. | Occoquan River | 6-11-2025 |
State Record Freshwater Fish as of 9-2-2025 (keeper: Virginia DWR (State Record Freshwater Fish list as of 9-2-2025); angler names left off here), read November 6, 2026.
Commonwealth waters naming flathead catfish
- Smith Mountain Lake20,600 acres, Franklin County
- South Holston Reservoir7,580 acres, Washington County
- Claytor Lake4,363 acres, Pulaski County
- Leesville Reservoir3,400 acres, Bedford County
- Lake Chesdin3,100 acres, Dinwiddie County
- Occoquan Reservoir2,100 acres, Fairfax County
- Flannagan Reservoir1,143 acres, Dickenson County
- North Fork Pound Reservoir154 acres, Wise County
- Lake Brittle77 acres, Fauquier County
- James River (Upper and Middle)Albemarle County
- New RiverCarroll County
- South Fork Shenandoah RiverClarke County
- Clinch RiverRussell County
- Shenandoah RiverClarke County
- Tidal James RiverChesterfield County
Virginia DWR Public Fishing Lakes layer (outline, motor rule, region number), read November 6, 2026.
Close cousins of Virginia flathead catfish
- Blue Catfish20 a day
- Channel Catfish20 a day
- White Catfish20 a day
- Alabama Bassno daily cap
- Alewifeno possession
- American Eel25 a day
- American Shadno possession
- Black Crappie25 a day
Reels from Piscifun for the next trip to Virginia flathead catfish
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Lakes, tidewater and stream riffles close to Flathead Catfish, in pictures
Photo: flyheatherfly, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0
Virginia Flathead Catfish, the questions anglers bring
What does the Virginia digest allow for flathead catfish?
Creel: 20 per day. Length: No length limits.
How heavy is the Virginia flathead catfish record?
Lake Smith produced it in 2018: 68 lbs. 12 oz.
Which Virginia waters hold flathead catfish?
Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston Reservoir and Claytor Lake lead a list of 15 Virginia pages.
Which Virginia waters change the flathead catfish rule?
1 water carry one; the first in the digest is All rivers below the fall line.
Do Virginia hatcheries release flathead catfish?
The DWR trout stocking schedule has no entry for it.
Must a visitor buy a license for Virginia flathead catfish?
A Virginia freshwater license is $23 a year for residents and $47 for nonresidents 16 and older.
How does DWR list flathead catfish scientifically?
Pylodictis olivaris; family Catfishes (Ictaluridae), per the DWR species profile.
Are flathead catfish included on Virginia free fishing dates?
Virginia DWR set Free Fishing Days for June 5–7, 2026: no freshwater fishing license needed, all other rules apply. Limits still hold on those days.
Head out for Virginia flathead catfish
Pick one of those Virginia waters for its ramps.