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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) are non-native catfish in California, first introduced as early as 1874 with early confirmations in the Kern River (1940), Colorado River (1942), Modoc County (1942), and near Fresno (1944).

These introductions likely resulted from several separate events, and by 1952 they were reported in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, though less abundant than White Catfish and Brown Bullhead.

They are now established in 43 HUCs across California, from the Sacramento Valley to Southern California coastal drainages including the San Luis Rey River system near San Diego.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Black Bullhead are distinguished by their dark chin barbels, slightly notched tail fin, uniform dark coloration without mottling, and lack of large saw-like teeth on pectoral spines.
  • Adults typically reach 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though they can grow up to 24 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Established in 43 HUCs across California, from the Sacramento Valley to Southern California coastal drainages.
  • They thrive in warm, slow-moving waters with soft bottoms including farm ponds, stock tanks, reservoirs, altered lower river sections, sloughs, and highly disturbed habitats.

Key Locations

  • They've been collected in the fresh-brackish Suisun Marsh, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta system, Kern River, Colorado River, Modoc County, near Fresno, San Luis Rey River system near San Diego.
  • In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta system, focus on dead-end sloughs such as Hog, Sycamore, and Indian Sloughs.
  • Successful locations also include the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct system and various reservoirs throughout the Central Valley.

Specific Spots

  • Target backwaters, sloughs, dead-end channels, areas with vegetation, muddy shorelines, piers, dams, confined spaces like lake outlets, and areas with low current.
  • Look for areas with structure or cover where they hide during the day.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Bullhead in California?

The best natural baits include live or dead minnows, nightcrawlers, angle worms, leeches, crickets, and cut bait. Try soaking worms in pickled beet juice for bright red coloration that attracts attention in murky water.

When is the best time to fish for Black Bullhead in California?

Best from spring through fall (April-October) when they're most active, with peak opportunities during their spawning period from late spring through early summer (May-July). The optimal time is between spring and fall, as they feed less actively in winter and may hibernate.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in California?

Light tackle fishing techniques work best to detect their often subtle bites. Use sinkers or bobbers to keep bait near the bottom where they feed. Fish during calmer water conditions.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

They're omnivorous bottom-feeders consuming aquatic insects (primarily midge larvae), small crustaceans, mollusks, plant material, small fish, fish e.g.gs, and even terrestrial insects.

Where do Black Bullhead live in California?

Established in 43 HUCs across California, from the Sacramento Valley to Southern California coastal drainages. They thrive in warm, slow-moving waters with soft bottoms including farm ponds, stock tanks, reservoirs, altered lower river sections, sloughs, and highly disturbed habitats.

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