Hardhead Catfish Fishing in Mississippi
When hardhead catfish are caught across Mississippi, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Hardhead Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Mississippi by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching hardhead catfish in Mississippi
Hardhead Catfish catches in Mississippi run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 2% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Mississippi fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch hardhead catfish in Mississippi?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release hardhead catfish in Mississippi?+
Across Mississippi, about 2% of the hardhead catfish caught are kept and 98% are released. That works out to roughly 54K kept and 3.3M released in 2024.
How many hardhead catfish are caught in Mississippi?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 3.4M hardhead catfish caught by recreational anglers in Mississippi in 2024, making it the #4 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this hardhead catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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