Tips and Tricks

Are there flathead catfish in Arizona?

Are there flathead catfish in Arizona?

Catfish Species in Arizona Arizona is home to three catfish species: channel catfish, flathead catfish and yellow bullhead.

Where can I find flathead catfish in Arizona?

Found in the lower Colorado River near Yuma, Gila River, Salt River, Verde River systems and reservoirs. Found near cover, in deeper, slower moving pools of rivers. Often congregate in swift water below dams to feed on live fish. In lakes, prefer to utilize river channels.

What is the Arizona state record for flathead catfish?

76 lb
Inland Waters — Hook and Line

Species Name Size, Location, Angler and Date
Carp 37 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in., Bartlett Lake Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix 8/8/87
Catfish, Channel 33 lb., 5.76 oz., 39.5 in., Upper Lake Mary Carson Pete, 3/26/17
Catfish, Flathead 76 lb. 8.64 oz., 53.5 in., Bartlett Lake Eddie Wilcoxson, Surprise 04/13/13

What is the best time of year to catch flathead catfish?

The Best Time To Catch Flathead Catfish The fish are feeding heavily getting ready for winter and fishing during this time has always produced the most flatheads and the biggest ones as well. March through May is a close second as pre-spawn flathead action can be excellent as well.

What’s the biggest fish ever caught in Arizona?

flathead catfish
Angler’s 76.52-pound flathead is an Arizona record and the heaviest fish ever caught in the state. An angler and guide nicknamed “Flathead Ed” lived up to his moniker and then some Friday by catching a 76.52-pound flathead catfish, which is an Arizona record and the heaviest fish of any species ever landed in the state …

Where can I catch big fish in Arizona?

Here are a few options:

  • Chaparral Lake.
  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
  • Lower Salt River.
  • Salt River Project canals.
  • Surprise Lake.
  • Tempe Town Lake.
  • A word about the CAP.
  • More fishing.

Where is the best catfishing in Arizona?

The major Arizona lakes with a healthy population of catfish include Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Martinez Lake, Rainbow Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake, Show Low Lake and Watson Lake.

Are there catfish in the Gila River?

Fish Species Here are some of the common fish found in the Gila River, Largemouth bass, Sunfishes, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, Gila trout. The Gila River is home to what now is the protected Gila Trout. The Gila Trout looks similar to an Apache Trout with smaller spots and a more brown that yellow base color.

Is flathead catfish good to eat?

The flathead catfish’s delicious taste also provides a good reason to target the species. Blue cats, channel cats and even bullheads are excellent table fish as well, but many hardcore catfish fans, myself included, believe a young flathead has a delectable flavor that’s far superior to that of the other species.

Can you catch flathead catfish during the day?

Despite what you may have heard, it is possible to keep up on your sleep and still catch flathead catfish. It’s true. You can catch them during the day. The real truth is that these catfish eat whenever they want to, and that includes daytime meals.

What is the largest catfish caught in Arizona?

What is the status of the flathead catfish?

Status: The Flathead Catfish has become established in most waters where introduced. For instance, it is widespread and reproducing in the lower Colorado River basin (Dill and Cordone 1997).

Where can you catch catfish in Arizona?

The major Arizona lakes with a healthy population of catfish include Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Martinez Lake, Rainbow Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake, Show Low Lake and Watson Lake. Click the images and links above for species details.

How did the flathead fish get to Pennsylvania?

The Ochlockonee River introduction in Florida and Georgia was probably due to illegal stocking by anglers with fish from the nearby Apalachicola River, where the fish had also been introduced. The flathead’s presence in eastern Pennsylvania is most likely due to stock contamination of channel catfish shipments (M. Kaufman, personal communication).