Trotlines and set poles are effective in streams. Flathead Catfish Flathead catfish are native to most of the Arkansas Ozarks waters, including lakes and streams. They are a pure carnivore, eating almost nothing that is not alive. For table quality they are generally considered the best of the catfish. Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire a stronger flavor as they age.
Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes.
As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the eggs, and defend the young aggressively. Because of their aggressiveness, they are successful even in the clear, bass-heavy waters of the Arkansas Ozarks. This is fortunate since we have a difficult time perfecting culture methods for this species and supplemental stocking has not yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, peaking when the water temperature reaches about 80 F, generally in late June or early July. That's the reason the speargunning season on Flatheads does not open until July 15, so they'll have a chance to spawn and get through the brooding period when they won't abandon their nests and the fry are most vulnerable.