Black Bullhead
Ameiurus melas
A small, hardy catfish of muddy ponds and slow streams that bites worms on the bottom and tolerates poor water.
- Type
- Catfish
- Water
- Warm water
- Habitat
- Ponds, Lakes, Streams, Rivers
- Typical size
- 8 to 12 inches, up to about 1 lb
- Range
- Native to the central and eastern US and southern Canada, and introduced in other regions.
- Best seasons
- Late spring through summer, especially at night
How to identify it
- The tail is rounded or squared, with no fork.
- The chin barbels are dark gray to black, unlike the white chin barbels of a yellow bullhead.
- Many fish show a pale vertical bar at the base of the tail.
- The body is dark olive to black on top, with a cream belly and a stocky shape.
Often confused with
- Channel Catfish: a deeply forked tail and a more slender body.
- Yellow Bullhead: white or pale chin barbels and a more yellow-olive body.
Best baits and lures
- Worms and nightcrawlers
- Stink bait
- Chicken liver
- Small cut bait
Techniques
- Fish a worm on the bottom of a pond or slow pool
- Fish at dusk and after dark
- Use a simple bobber-and-weight rig
- Use light tackle and be patient
Fishing notes
Bullheads are among the easiest fish to catch. A worm on the bottom of nearly any muddy pond will draw a bite, which makes them a good fish for young anglers.
They are tough fish that survive in water that would kill many species, including low-oxygen and muddy ponds.
The spines on the pectoral and dorsal fins are sharp, so handle them carefully. They are good eating when skinned and kept cold.
Related guides
Size limits, bag limits, legal baits, and seasons vary by state and waterbody and change over time. Check your state's current regulations — our state resources directory links straight to each state's official fishing rules and license portal.