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Black Buffalo

Black Buffalo

Black Buffalo are native Arkansas fish found throughout the Mississippi River basin, including the Arkansas River system from Oklahoma to Louisiana. They're one of three buffalo species in Arkansas waters.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo by their ventral mouth with thick, fleshy lips, lack of barbels (unlike carp), and bluish-grey coloration with large scales and prominent lateral line.
  • They can live over 20 years and reach substantial sizes exceeding 35 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the Mississippi River basin, including the Arkansas River system from Oklahoma to Louisiana.
  • They inhabit pools and backwaters of rivers.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas River system, Arkansas River pools, backwaters, and oxbow lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on gravel-rock bottoms with aquatic vegetation where they forage.
  • Target deeper pools and areas with steady but not excessive current, particularly areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and gravel-rock bottoms.

Black Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Buffalo in Arkansas?

Effective baits include nightcrawlers, redworms, small pieces of crawfish, creep pellets (livestock feed secured with colored rubber bands), and various dough baits.

When is the best time to fish for Black Buffalo in Arkansas?

Can be caught year-round. Spawn from April through mid-June when water temperatures reach 55-79°F, during which time they should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Black Buffalo in Arkansas?

Fish the bottom with Carolina rigs or drift presentations. Watch for subtle bites - even slight rod tip vibrations can indicate a large fish investigating your bait.

What do Black Buffalo eat?

They're bottom feeders with a diet consisting primarily of insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae, detritus, and small mollusks including invasive Asiatic clam larvae.

Where do Black Buffalo live in Arkansas?

Found throughout the Mississippi River basin, including the Arkansas River system from Oklahoma to Louisiana. They inhabit pools and backwaters of rivers.

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