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Hesse, L. W. (1994). The status of Nebraska fishes in the Missouri River, 4. Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris, and blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus (Ictaluridae). Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences. 21:89-98.

Flathead Pylodictis olivaris and blue Ictalurus furcatus catfish in the Missouri River have been over-exploited. Commercial harvest of both species ended in 1992, but commercial fishing was only part of the problem. The percentage of flathead catfish longer than 407 mm total length is very low. The density of flathead catfish in the upper unchannelized Missouri River is 6 to 10% of the density in the lower unchannelized reach, and channelized section density is six times greater than unchannelized density. Tagging studies have revealed that the population of flathead catfish in the upper unchannelized reach consists of less than 1,000 individuals. Blue catfish have been nearly extirpated and should be listed as endangered in Nebraska's portion of the Missouri River. Overharvest, reduced turbidity, and the removal of large woody debris has caused the reduced population density. Management must include restricted harvest, closed areas, protected size classes, increased turbidity, and restoration of a floodplain with seasonal flooding. In the near term, large trees from the river bottom or from communities near the river should be placed in the channel to enhance in- stream cover.