Flathead Catfish

If you're after a trophy flathead catfish in northeast Texas, the waters around Tira offer some surprisingly good opportunities. While not a major destination fishery, the smaller lakes and rivers in this area, particularly the Sulphur River and its tributaries, hold some real lunkers. Spring and early summer, after the spawn, are prime times to target them as they're actively feeding. Another good time is late fall as they bulk up for winter. Live bait is key here; sunfish, perch, or even bullheads are hard to beat. A local tip: focus on areas with submerged timber or deep holes near bends in the river. Bank access can be limited in some areas, so scouting ahead of time is crucial. Be prepared for a fight – these fish can reach impressive sizes in these waters!