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Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

The Brown Bullhead is a non-native freshwater catfish that was first introduced to California in 1874 when 74 'Horned Pout' from Vermont were planted in ponds and sloughs near Sacramento.

These hardy bottom-dwelling fish have become the most widely distributed catfish species in California.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Also known as horned pout, hornpout, mud cat, mud pout

Physical Characteristics:
  • Brown Bullheads are distinguished by their mottled brown-to-olive coloration, dark chin barbels, squared-off tail fin, and 5-8 saw-like teeth on their pectoral spines.
  • They typically reach 8-14 inches but can grow up to 20 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Brown Bullheads thrive in slow-moving waters with vegetation and soft substrates, showing remarkable tolerance for low oxygen levels, pollution, and temperature extremes.
  • They prefer shallow, vegetated areas in sloughs and backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, San Francisco Bay estuary, Folsom Lake, Millerton Lake, Heather Farm Pond in Walnut Creek, and various reservoirs throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target slow-moving waters with vegetation, muddy bottoms, and low oxygen conditions.
  • Focus on shallow areas of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta sloughs, backwater areas of rivers, small ponds, weedy creeks, and vegetated shorelines of reservoirs.
  • Look for areas with logs, rocks, or other cover where they shelter during the day.

Brown Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits include nightcrawlers (especially pungent ones from compost piles), chicken livers, cut bait, corn, minnows, and various dough balls or bread. Corn is particularly effective as Brown Bullheads readily consume it.

How do you catch Brown Bullhead in California?

slow bottom presentations using weighted rigs that keep bait on or near the bottom. Fish from docks, piers, bridges, or wade into shallow areas with soft substrates.

What do Brown Bullhead eat?

These omnivorous bottom feeders consume worms, leeches, vegetation, snails, smaller fish, insects, mollusks, crayfish, dragonfly larvae, amphipods, isopods, and even corn.

Where do Brown Bullhead live in California?

Brown Bullheads thrive in slow-moving waters with vegetation and soft substrates, showing remarkable tolerance for low oxygen levels, pollution, and temperature extremes. They prefer shallow, vegetated areas in sloughs and backwaters.

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