Susquehanna Watershed Flathead Catfish Study

Type: Tidal
Region: Central
Location: Susquehanna Watershed

A large scale project to study invasive flathead catfish is currently underway in the Susquehanna River Watershed. Although most of the work is being completed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in upstream areas, The Department of Natural Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Program is gathering data in Maryland's portion of the Susquehanna River Watershed.

The catfish are collected using baited hoop nets- much like the ones commercial fishermen utilize. All flathead catfish collected are measured, weighed and then retained so we can remove their otoliths for age determination. I have attached a picture of a sectioned flathead otolith. Each darker ring you see is called an annulus, and indicates a year of life.

Our catch thus far has contained flathead catfish of all sizes, including some very small and very,very large individuals. Last week we collected this individual from Conowingo Reservioir, which measured 44 inches in length, and weighed 56.5 pounds! The net also contained a partially digested (regurgitated) walleye which was approximately 18 inches in length. Clearly, even larger sportfish like walleye are on the menu of these large, invasive predators.

Anglers - Give flathead catfishing a try! They are present both above and below Conowingo Dam. Live line a perch or sunfish on the bottom in the deeper holes and edges of the channel- much in the same way you would do so for striped bass. You will likely be rewarded. Good Luck!