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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are the largest member of the sucker family and one of North America's longest-lived freshwater fish, capable of living over 100 years.

These remarkable fish present a unique challenge as they rarely take conventional baits due to their filter-feeding nature.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish can reach lengths exceeding 4 feet and weights over 80 pounds, with a distinctive terminal mouth and long dorsal fin that distinguishes them from carp.

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 rivers, backwaters, and oxbow lakes.

Key Locations

  • In Indiana, they have established populations in the St.
  • Joseph River watershed (HUC 04100003), first documented in 1962.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in backwaters, oxbow lakes, and vegetated areas.
  • Focus on areas with muddy or silty bottoms.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Simple dough balls, gobs of worms, or commercial livestock pellets. Flashy marabou jigs and small attractor patterns.

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

Avoid fishing during their April-June spawning period when they're concentrated in shallow, vegetated spawning areas.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Indiana?

Target them in slow-moving waters with high turbidity. Focus on areas with muddy or silty bottoms where they filter-feed on plankton and small invertebrates. Since they're primarily active at night, bowfishing has become popular as they're visible near the surface after dark.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Unlike other suckers, Bigmouth Buffalo are filter-feeders that primarily consume zooplankton, particularly cladocerans and copepods, supplemented with chironomids (midge larvae), small crustaceans, algae, and detritus.

Where do Bigmouth Buffalo live in Indiana?

They inhabit slow-moving or stagnant waters with high turbidity, preferring areas with fine substrates and abundant vegetation including lakes, ponds, slow rivers, backwaters, and oxbow lakes.

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Indiana licenses and regulations

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