Black Buffalo
Black Buffalo are non-native sucker fish that were accidentally introduced to Arizona in 1918 as stock contamination with Bigmouth Buffalo.
They have established populations in Apache Lake and have been documented in the Lower Colorado Region, Lower Salt, and Upper Salt watersheds, though they were extirpated from Roosevelt Reservoir by drought.
Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger
Black Buffalo are distinguished by their slightly compressed, nearly round body that is more slender than other buffalo species. They have a slate to bronze back with greenish overcast, bronze sides, and lighter belly.
Their fins are dark olive to slate, with a sickle-shaped dorsal fin containing 27-31 rays. They can reach lengths up to 93 cm and weights of 28. 7 kg, though the common length is around 52 cm.
Fishing in Arizona
Salt River
Verde River
Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Gila River
Agua Fria River
Canyon Lake
Saguaro Lake
Bartlett Reservoir
Apache Lake
Lake Pleasant
What to know
Habitat Distribution
Black Buffalo prefer deeper waters with strong currents in rivers, reservoirs, and lakes.Key Locations
Apache Lake, Lower Colorado Region, Lower Salt, and Upper Salt watersheds. They were extirpated from Roosevelt Reservoir by drought.Specific Spots
Target deeper waters with moderate to fast-moving currents where they spend most of their time during non-spawning periods.Black Buffalo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Buffalo in Arizona?
Since they are bottom feeders with small mouths, effective baits would include small pieces of crayfish, worms, or corn.
When is the best time to fish for Black Buffalo in Arizona?
Fish during spring and summer when they're most active, but avoid April-May spawning periods.
How do you catch Black Buffalo in Arizona?
Use standard sucker-fishing techniques with bottom rigs and patient presentation, as these fish are not typically aggressive feeders. Traditional carp and sucker fishing methods would likely be most effective.
What do Black Buffalo eat?
Their diet consists primarily of benthic organisms including Asiatic clams, algae, diatoms, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and aquatic plants like duckweed. They are bottom feeders that use their small, subterminal mouths to forage.
Where do Black Buffalo live in Arizona?
Black Buffalo prefer deeper waters with strong currents in rivers, reservoirs, and lakes.
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