How to Catch Giant Flathead Catfish in Arizona

Catching giant flathead catfish in Arizona requires a license and heeding several different tips. Research flatheads prior to your fishing journey to better understand the breed. Pick the right bait to lure in your catfish and choose a sturdy rod to fight the fish once it bites. Study all available fishing rules and regulations issued by the Arizona Game and Fishing Department (AGFD) to stay legal and responsible.

Things You'll Need

  • Personal ID
  • Fishing license
  • AZ general statewide regulations
  • Chicken livers
  • Casting rod
  • Night lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the AGFD. Tell the administrator you wish to purchase a fishing license. Show the administrator at least two current forms of personal identification --- a driver's license and social security card, for example. AZ residents must show ID that proves residency. In 2011, AZ a Class A (general) fishing license cost $23.50 for residents and $70.25 for non-residents. Class C and D licenses (one-day and five-day temporary, respectively) cost $17.25 and $32.00 for non-residents. Ask administrators for a hard copy of the AZ General Statewide Regulations.

    • 2

      Purchase your rod and bait. Choose a casting rod. Casting rods are spin rods with drag manipulation and long handles. The long handles make for a solid grip when fighting flatheads. Select raw bait --- chicken livers, for example --- to lure in flatheads. The strong scent and thick bodies of chicken livers make them ideal to capture a flathead's attention and advantageous for staying on fishing hooks.

    • 3

      Fish during warm months and in the dark. Flatheads prefer warm bodies of water and feed at dusk, during the night or before the sun comes up. Consult the AZ General Statewide Regulations for updated fishing rules. Fish on an AZ body of water with plentiful catfish populations --- Alamo Lake, Apache Lake and Bartlett Lake, for example. Talk with AGFD administrators about specific lake locations and rules --- hours of operation, for instance.