Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) is a non-native freshwater catfish established in California since 1874, with populations distributed across 17 hydrologic units including the Sacramento River system, San Joaquin Valley, Southern California coastal waters, Colorado River, and Klamath Basin.
These hardy fish tolerate polluted waters and low oxygen conditions better than other catfish species.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis
- Distinguished by white or yellow chin barbels, a nearly straight caudal fin, and 24+ anal fin rays, they typically measure 6-25 inches and weigh 1-6 pounds, though specimens up to 25 inches have been recorded.
Fishing in California
Kings River
Kaweah River
East Fork Kaweah River
Tule River
Deer Creek
Lake Success
Lake Kaweah
Lake Woollomes
Mill Creek
Fresno Slough
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer shallow, slow-moving waters with muddy bottoms and vegetation, inhabiting lakes, ponds, streams, backwaters, and river pools.
Key Locations
- Sacramento River system, San Joaquin Valley, Southern California coastal waters, Colorado River, and Klamath Basin.
Specific Spots
- Fish shallow areas (2-30 feet deep) with muddy bottoms, vegetation, and structure like logs, roots, and overhanging banks.
- Prime locations include stream mouths, backwaters, coves with vegetation, areas below dams, and spots near culverts or drains.
Yellow Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in California?
Essential baits include nightcrawlers, earthworms, chicken livers, corn, shrimp, cut bait, minnows, crayfish, crickets, cheese, dough balls, and bread. For lures, try jigs, weighted flies, coneheads, or bead-heads to reach bottom depths.
When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in California?
Most productive during spring and fall when they move to shallows, with summer offering good night fishing opportunities. Spawning occurs from late spring to early summer (May-July) when water temperatures reach 70-80°F.
How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in California?
Use bottom-fishing techniques. Target areas with structure during day fishing, then focus on shallow vegetated zones at night. In California's clear mountain lakes, fish deeper during daylight hours, while in turbid Central Valley waters, daytime fishing can be productive.
What do Yellow Bullhead eat?
Yellow Bullhead are omnivorous bottom-dwellers that feed primarily at night using their barbel-covered taste buds to locate food by touch and smell. Their diet includes aquatic plants, insects, small fish, crustaceans, worms, and detritus - consuming more vegetation than other bullhead species.
Where do Yellow Bullhead live in California?
They prefer shallow, slow-moving waters with muddy bottoms and vegetation, inhabiting lakes, ponds, streams, backwaters, and river pools.
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