Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead are a non-native catfish species established in Arizona waters since 1904, with documented populations in 24 hydrologic units across the state.
These hardy catfish are extremely adaptable, tolerating poor water quality, high temperatures, low oxygen, and turbid conditions that would be unsuitable for other fish species.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas
- These hardy catfish average 1-2 pounds with most adults under one pound, though some can reach up to 8 pounds and 24 inches.
- Distinguished by their dark coloration ranging from black to olive-brown dorsally with yellow-white bellies, they have completely pigmented barbels (whiskers) and squared tail fins.
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
- Documented populations in 24 hydrologic units across the state.
- They prefer soft-bottomed areas in slow-moving or still waters.
Key Locations
- Colorado River system (Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave), Salt River chain (Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro lakes), Rainbow Lake, Mingus Lake, Rainbow Lake near Lakeside.
Specific Spots
- Focus on soft-bottomed areas with structure like undercut banks, fallen logs, weed beds, and deeper pools in lakes and slow-moving river sections.
- Target the deeper coves and backwater areas of lakes, and around structure and vegetation.
- They feed in depths of 1-3 meters.
Black Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Bullhead in Arizona?
Top baits include nightcrawlers, chicken livers, stink baits, cut bait, bread or dough balls, corn, and small minnows. Since bullheads rely heavily on their sense of smell, strongly scented baits work exceptionally well.
When is the best time to fish for Black Bullhead in Arizona?
Late summer through fall and winter months are prime fishing periods. Avoid targeting them during spawning period from late spring through early summer (May-July).
How do you catch Black Bullhead in Arizona?
Use a still-fishing approach, casting to likely spots and allowing bait to sit on the bottom. Black bullheads are known as 'half biters' that mouth bait tentatively, so wait for a solid run before setting the hook hard to penetrate their tough mouths. Fish multiple rods when regulations allow to increase your chances.
What do Black Bullhead eat?
They're omnivorous opportunistic feeders with a diet dominated by aquatic invertebrates (primarily chironomid larvae), but also consume microcrustaceans, oligochaeta, caddisfly larvae, small fish, plant material, and terrestrial insects.
Where do Black Bullhead live in Arizona?
Documented populations in 24 hydrologic units across the state. They prefer soft-bottomed areas in slow-moving or still waters.
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