Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) is an introduced species in Connecticut, first observed in the early 1980s at scattered sites in the lower Housatonic and upper Quinebaug River drainages.
Populations have expanded and now occur in the Connecticut River drainage as well, likely having moved down from Massachusetts where they're more widespread.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis
- These fish are easily distinguished from brown bullheads by their light-colored (yellow, buff, or pale) chin barbels, compared to the dark barbels of brown bullheads.
- They typically measure 7-12 inches in Connecticut waters, with the state survey maximum reaching 14 inches.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Yellow bullheads prefer moderate to heavy vegetation in still waters of lakes and ponds or slow-moving streams, making them well-suited to Connecticut's quieter waterways.
Key Locations
- In the Housatonic and Quinebaug River drainages where populations are established, Connecticut River drainage.
Specific Spots
- Fish on the bottom in areas with moderate to heavy vegetation in still waters or slow-moving streams.
- Focus on the deepest holes in small creeks, backwaters, slow eddies of rivers, and edges of weed beds in creeks and ponds.
- Look for protected areas near submerged cover like logs, rocks, and overhanging vegetation.
- The fish typically hold tight to bottom structure in vegetated areas.
Yellow Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in Connecticut?
Worms are the top bait choice, but yellow bullheads readily take cut bait, chicken livers, corn, bread or dough balls, crickets, and minnows.
When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in Connecticut?
The best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall, avoiding the April-June spawning period when fish are focused on reproduction.
How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Connecticut?
Still fishing and drift fishing are the most productive techniques. Yellow bullheads are notorious for mouthing bait briefly before dropping it, so allow the fish to run with the bait for several seconds before setting the hook hard to penetrate their bony mouths.
What do Yellow Bullhead eat?
They're primarily nocturnal bottom feeders with an omnivorous diet including worms, minnows, insects, crayfish, aquatic invertebrates, and more aquatic vegetation than other bullhead species.
Where do Yellow Bullhead live in Connecticut?
Yellow bullheads prefer moderate to heavy vegetation in still waters of lakes and ponds or slow-moving streams, making them well-suited to Connecticut's quieter waterways.
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