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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead are found in the northwest corner of Georgia, specifically in reservoirs of the Tennessee and Coosa River basins. These extremely hardy fish tolerate low oxygen conditions, high turbidity, and water temperatures from near freezing to 86°F.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • They are distinguished from other bullhead species by their dark-colored chin barbels (gray, black, or black-spotted), squared-off tail fin, and lack of large saw-like teeth on pectoral spines.
  • Black bullheads typically reach 6-14 inches with most weighing 1-2 pounds, making them smaller than other Georgia catfish species.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit slow-moving or stagnant waters with soft, muddy bottoms including ponds, lakes, streams, and backwater areas with plenty of cover like fallen trees, submerged vegetation, or rocky areas.

Key Locations

  • Northwest corner of Georgia, specifically in reservoirs of the Tennessee and Coosa River basins.

Specific Spots

  • Fish areas with slow-moving water, muddy or sandy bottoms, and structural cover like docks, piers, fallen trees, or vegetation beds.
  • Present bait close to the bottom in their preferred muddy substrate areas.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, cut bait (shad, herring, or sunfish), bread balls, dough balls, and canned corn. Small jigs and minnows can also be productive.

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

Fish from late fall through early spring for best results, avoiding the April-June spawning period.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Georgia?

Use still fishing, drift fishing, or spin casting techniques with patience, as bullheads can be deliberate when taking bait. Present baits deep on the bottom using slip-sinker rigs, float rigs, or three-way rigs.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Black bullheads are nocturnal omnivores feeding on aquatic macroinvertebrates (primarily chironomidae larvae), microcrustaceans, oligochaeta, plant material, small fish, crayfish, and e.g.gs.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Georgia?

They inhabit slow-moving or stagnant waters with soft, muddy bottoms including ponds, lakes, streams, and backwater areas with plenty of cover like fallen trees, submerged vegetation, or rocky areas.

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