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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead are native to Arkansas and widely distributed throughout the state's water bodies.

They're the most widely distributed catfish in Arkansas after channel catfish, found in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and riparian wetlands across the Arkansas River system and other major watersheds.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These medium-sized catfish rarely exceed 2 pounds but can reach up to 4 pounds, with white or yellow chin barbels distinguishing them from black and brown bullheads.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and riparian wetlands across the Arkansas River system and other major watersheds.

Key Locations

  • Lake Ouachita, Hurricane Lake in Saline County, Indianhead Lake in Sherwood, Arkansas River riparian wetlands, and various farm ponds and smaller reservoirs throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Shallow, heavily vegetated waters with slow currents over soft substrates including muck, rock, sand, or clay bottoms.
  • They inhabit backwaters, oxbow lakes, farm ponds, and sluggish sections of creeks and rivers.
  • Focus on farm ponds, oxbow lakes, sluggish creek sections, and lake coves with vegetation in 3-10 feet of water.
  • Fish areas near submerged logs, tree roots, weed beds, and soft muddy areas.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in Arkansas?

Nightcrawlers, chicken liver, cut bait, catalpa worms, crickets, and even bread or dough balls fished directly on the bottom. They can also be caught on small jigs tipped with worms.

When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in Arkansas?

Most productive from late summer through early spring. They spawn from April through June (avoid fishing during this period) when water temperatures reach 73-77°F. Best success comes during warm weather periods in summer and early fall when water temperatures are stable.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Arkansas?

Still fishing is the primary technique - cast near submerged logs, tree roots, weed beds, and soft muddy areas. Bank fishing is very effective, especially around docks, fallen trees, and areas with overhanging vegetation.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

As opportunistic omnivorous scavengers, they feed primarily at night on worms, insects, crayfish, small fish, snails, clams, aquatic vegetation, and decaying matter, using their barbels equipped with over 200,000 taste buds to locate food.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in Arkansas?

Found in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and riparian wetlands across the Arkansas River system and other major watersheds.

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