Flathead Catfish

If you're chasing flathead catfish in the Celeste, Texas area, you're in for a treat. This part of North Texas offers several smaller lakes and rivers that hold some real monsters. Lake Lavon, while a larger reservoir a bit further out, is a known hotspot. The smaller creeks and rivers feeding into Lavon, like the East Fork of the Trinity River, can also be productive, especially after a good rain when the water is murky and the cats are actively hunting. Spring and early summer are prime times, as the flatheads are spawning and aggressive. Fishing live bait, like sunfish or bullheads, is your best bet. A local tip: focus on areas with submerged timber or rocky bottoms, as these provide excellent ambush points for flatheads. Be prepared for a fight; these fish can get big and are known for their powerful runs. Access to the East Fork can be tricky in some areas, so scout out county road crossings beforehand.