The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has put regulations on the harvesting of flathead catfish, due to concern about overfishing.

IDNR says overharvest is a possibility due to the long lifespan of the large fish, because population damage might not be noted for many years. They also say re-population could take longer if damage does occur.

On the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, the regulation now states that one fish per day over 35 inches is allowed. Fishing enthusiasts may catch an unlimited amount of flatheads 13-35 inches.

No flatheads under 13 inches may be harvested.

This new regulation was put in place in cooperation with Indiana and Kentucky.