Invasive Species Alert:

Flathead Catfish in the Canoochee River

                        

Invasive species alert: Flathead catfish have been found in the Canoochee and Ogeechee Rivers.  If you catch a flathead catfish, DO NOT RELEASE IT.  Georgia DNR began catching flathead catfish on the Ogeechee River in 2023 during annual catfish surveys.  Following this discovery, Ft. Stewart Fish and Wildlife began sampling efforts for flathead catfish in the Canoochee River, with none found.  In August 2026, FS F&W joined GA DNR for a sampling effort when 3 flathead catfish were caught and removed on the lower portion of the Canoochee River.  Ft Stewart Fish and Wildlife and Georgia DNR will continue to monitor and remove any flathead catfish found in the Canoochee or Ogeechee Rivers. 

While flathead catfish are native to the Northwest Georgia drainages, they are not native to southeast Georgia.  This predator species can be detrimental to introduced waters as they prey on native fish species, including the popular redbreast sunfish. 

In addition to the Ogeechee River, the Georgia DNR has been conducting removal efforts of flathead catfish populations in the Satilla, Altamaha, Savannah Rivers. Ft. Stewart Fish and Wildlife will be aiding in removal efforts on the Canoochee River. 

Flathead catfish are identified by a flattened head and yellow color with brown and green mottling.  The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw and its tail is not forked.  Most are typically less than 30 lbs. but they can weigh up to 100 lbs.  The largest flathead catfish caught in the Canoochee and Ogeechee Rivers, as of August 2026, was 27.8 lbs.  Flathead catfish prefer deep holes and under fallen trees or log piles.  Any fishermen that catch flathead catfish are instructed to not release it back into the water and report the capture in Ft Stewart iSportsman.