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Black Buffalo

Black Buffalo

Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) are native to Indiana's waters, found primarily in the Mississippi River basin system including major rivers like the White River, Wabash River, and their tributaries.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger

Also known as current buffalo

Physical Characteristics:
  • Substantial fish, averaging 52cm in length but capable of reaching over 4 feet and weighing up to 63 pounds.
  • They have a distinctive slate to bronze back with greenish overcast, bronze sides, and lighter belly, with a slightly compressed, nearly round body that's more slender than other buffalo species.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the Mississippi River basin system.
  • They prefer deeper, fast-moving waters with strong currents in rivers and streams.
  • They inhabit pools, backwaters, reservoirs, and the deeper sections of rivers throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • White River, Wabash River, and their tributaries.
  • For bow fishing and spear fishing target the designated large rivers including sections of the Wabash River (from Ohio River confluence upstream to SR 13), White River system, and other approved waterways.

Specific Spots

  • Target the deeper pools and current breaks of major rivers.
  • Look for spots where rivers narrow or where underwater structure creates current breaks.
  • Target areas with mixed substrates of sand, gravel, and rock where their preferred food sources concentrate, particularly in areas with sand, gravel, and rocky substrates where currents remain strong.

Black Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Natural baits that match their diet - nightcrawlers, small pieces of aquatic vegetation, and baits that mimic their preferred mollusks and crustaceans.

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

Most productive outside the April through mid-June spawning season, with late summer through fall and winter being prime times. During spring (April through mid-June), they move into flooded areas with vegetation to spawn when water temperatures reach 19-24°C - this spawning period should be avoided by anglers to...

How do you catch Black Buffalo in Indiana?

Bow fishing and spear fishing (legal methods in Indiana). Fish during stable weather conditions when water clarity allows you to see bottom structure.

What do Black Buffalo eat?

Generalist bottom feeders with a diverse diet including insect larvae, plankton, small mollusks, aquatic crustaceans, algae, diatoms, and aquatic vegetation including duckweed.

Where do Black Buffalo live in Indiana?

Found primarily in the Mississippi River basin system. They prefer deeper, fast-moving waters with strong currents in rivers and streams. They inhabit pools, backwaters, reservoirs, and the deeper sections of rivers throughout the state.

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Indiana licenses and regulations

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