FLATHEAD CATFISH
As the name implies, this catfish has a broad, flat head with a jutting lower jaw. Also called the calico cat, the flathead is mottled brown to nearly yellow in color. Strictly predatory, the flathead is caught with live bait and occasionally lures, usually at night. The Kansas state record is also the world record. It was caught in 1998 from Elk City Reservoir and weighed 123 pounds.
Dates: 06/15/2024 - 08/31/2024
Handfishing, for flathead catfish only, is legal from sunrise to sunset June 15 through August 31 at these locations:
The entire length of the Arkansas River in Kansas, all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upper end of the federal property, and on the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.
A special permit ($27.50) is required in addition to a fishing license. Anyone handfishing may not use hooks, snorkeling or scuba gear, or any other manmade device OR possess any fishing gear except a stringer. Stringers may not be used until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water. No man-made object — such as a barrel, box, or bathtub — may be used to attract fish.