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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are the largest members of the sucker family found statewide throughout Illinois waters.

These remarkable fish are actually one of North America's longest-lived freshwater species, capable of living over 100 years and reaching lengths exceeding 4 feet.

Unlike their smaller buffalo relatives, they are unique among suckers as filter-feeders that consume plankton in open water.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They possess a large, terminal mouth positioned at eye level.
  • They can reach lengths exceeding 4 feet.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit slow-moving or stagnant waters with high turbidity, preferring areas with fine substrates and abundant vegetation including lakes, ponds, slow-moving warm-water rivers and creeks, plus eddies and oxbow lakes within river systems.
  • Bigmouth Buffalo are well-adapted to reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Target slow-moving water areas with velocities under 30 cm/s, focusing on deeper pools, backwaters, marsh areas, and areas with 25-75% littoral zones and protected embayments.
  • They can be found in waters less than 16 feet deep.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bigmouth Buffalo in Illinois?

Ball of dough, gob of worms, commercial pelleted livestock feed, heavily scented dough baits, small worms, corn, small jigs. They respond well to scented baits but rarely take live bait.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in Illinois?

Small nymph patterns and midge imitations work best, along with attractor patterns like flashy marabou jigs. Other effective flies include small chironomid patterns since midge larvae comprise a significant portion of their diet.

When is the best time to fish for Bigmouth Buffalo in Illinois?

Best fishing occurs before and after the April-May spawning period when they're not in reproductive mode. The spawning period should be avoided by anglers.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Illinois?

The most effective approach uses a simple hook baited with a ball of dough, gob of worms, or commercial pelleted livestock feed, positioned near bottom with split shots or sinkers. Bowfishing is also popular as they often swim near the surface.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Adults primarily feed on zooplankton including cladocerans and copepods (about 75% of diet), supplemented by chironomid larvae (15%), aquatic plants, small mollusks, and aquatic invertebrate larvae. Since these fish feed on tiny crustaceans.

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