Preseason for flatheads extends from late winter through early spring—the end of the Coldwater Period on the In-Fisherman Calendar of Fish Activity. It’s not the best time of the year to target big flatheads or big numbers of smaller fish in most parts of the country. Many small- to medium-size rivers in the North still are covered with ice, and flatheads are tucked in tight behind rocks, timber, and each other, enjoying the end of a long winter’s nap. Even their reservoir cousins in the Midsouth are more dormant than active, particularly during periods of frigid weather.

Eventually, when water temperatures begin to rise and river flows stabilize, the general mood of flatheads everywhere improves as they emerge from wintering holes and begin looking for food. This is the beginning of the Prespawn Period, which will offer flathead anglers some of the finest fishing of the season, both for size and numbers of fish. Depending on where you live, however, this beginning may be several weeks or even months away. Want to satisfy your flathead craving right now? Then head for a big river.

Large rivers can intimidate catmen accustomed to the intimacy of smaller streams. The transition from a small river with visible riffles and holes to wide, deep waters like the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, or Tennessee rivers may seem overwhelming. But take a closer look at a manageable stretch of water, and you’ll likely see many similarities to your favorite catfish river. A hole may be 50 feet deep instead of 10, or 500 yards long instead of 20, but that’s just a matter of scale. Narrowing your search to the most productive areas is key to locating flatheads during early season in any river.

Location in Principle & Practice

During winter and through early spring, most flatheads in big rivers inhabit deep holes, which provide slightly warmer temperatures than other areas and better protection from current. In northern rivers like the upper Mississippi and Missouri, flatheads may hibernate for weeks or even months. In more southerly waters like the lower Missouri or Ohio rivers, the fish behave similarly during frigid weather.

Flatheads may resume feeding during periods of mild weather, even if water temperatures rise only a few degrees, and late-winter warming trends that last for days or even weeks often urge catfish to feed. Even in the North Country, a warm southwest breeze in February or March can melt thin ice and warm the water enough to activate flatheads. Medium-size livebaits, fresh portions of cutbait, and sourbaits are effective.

Once water temperatures climb into the low- to mid-50°F range, often coinciding with heavy spring rains, flatheads begin feeding more heavily. Wintering holes offer plenty of security and comfort but little food, so cats begin seeking areas that concentrate forage species. Large minnows, shad, and any other fish species of appropriate size and abundance—from white suckers to white bass—are important prey. Increasing river current forces baitfish to hold behind shoreline snags, wing dams, and in deep outside bends.

Practical Flathead Presentations

Baits—Cutbait usually is the best choice for blue and channel cats, but it also can outproduce livebait for flatheads during early season. The best cutbait bite often occurs when lethargic flatheads are emerging from their wintering holes, and again when their activity level peaks in late spring or early summer, though many catmen continue to use cutbait throughout the season. Several nightcrawlers threaded on a hook also works well at this time. When water levels begin to stabilize and flatheads begin to feed more exclusively after dark, livebait usually is once again the top choice.

Wild baitfish, especially those caught by hook and line or by cast-net from the river you’re fishing, are most effective, as they live longer in a baitwell and on the hook. They also react more strongly when a predator approaches than do baitfish from a bait shop. Gizzard shad, bullheads, carp, and panfish are effective baits. Match the size of your offering to the size of the fish you’re after, keeping in mind that a record-class flathead can eat a bigger bait than most freshwater anglers can cast with their stoutest rod and reel.

Rigs—Most situations can be met with a simple sliprig, consisting of a bell sinker held in place above a hook with a barrel swivel. Use just enough leader to attract fish without hanging up, keeping in mind that long leaders allow more bait movement, but they also tend to snag more often than short leaders. Six to 12 inches usually is sufficient length for anchoring livebaits near heavy cover, but a 30-inch leader can be used in areas where snags aren’t a problem.

Three-way rigs are another versatile option. Use a 6- to 24-inch dropline anchored by a bell or bank sinker heavy enough to keep the bait on bottom. A 1/2-ounce sinker may be sufficient in shallow water, but 4 to 8 ounces may be needed in fast water. The leader should be slightly longer than the dropline—usually 2 to 3 feet. Use a dropline with a lighter breakstrength than your mainline and leader to retrieve most of your rig, if the sinker hangs up.

Finally, float rigs are effective for searching areas with slow to moderate current, or for working baits over broken bottoms like riprap that would quickly consume most bottom rigs. A small, thin float like the Thill Center Slider works for small portions of cutbait. The more bulbous Thill Big Fish Slider excels for big livebaits. Weight larger floats with a 1/2- to 2-ounce egg sinker threaded on the mainline above a barrel swivel and 12-inch leader. Don’t drift baits too quickly, though, since flatheads in cool water seldom chase baits.