Black Buffalo
Black Buffalo are native freshwater fish in Iowa's sucker family, often reaching impressive sizes over 80 pounds and lengths up to 48 inches.
They are notoriously challenging to catch on traditional hook-and-line methods, making them one of the most elusive freshwater species.
Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger
Also known as buoy tender, current buffalo
- Distinguished by their darker, gunmetal blue coloration compared to other buffalo species, with a slightly compressed, almost round body and large rounded head with a blunt snout.
- Often reaching impressive sizes over 80 pounds and lengths up to 48 inches.
Fishing in Iowa
Iowa River
South Skunk River
Lake Red Rock
Saylorville Lake
Cedar River
Des Moines River
Raccoon River
Middle River
Big Creek
Union Grove Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Iowa, rare to common in the Mississippi River and large interior rivers.
- Recent collections in Iowa's interior waters are primarily from Iowa River watersheds.
- Their occurrence in Missouri River has diminished since channelization.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River and large interior rivers, Missouri River, Iowa River watersheds including sections from Iowa Falls to Marshalltown and Coralville Lake to River Junction, Cedar River sections, Wapsipinicon River, Des Moines River between Saylorville and Red Rock reservoirs, Mississippi River's un-impounded sections below the Missouri River mouth.
Specific Spots
- Prefer habitats with swift currents in deep waters over substrates of sand, gravel, and rock.
- Target muddy or sandy bottoms in slow to moderate current areas, particularly around submerged structures, logs, or areas with aquatic vegetation.
- Fish spawn over sand or gravel bottoms in 8-12 feet of water with moderate to swift current.
Black Buffalo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Buffalo in Iowa?
Plant-based baits like corn, dough balls, or algae-based baits fished on the bottom.
When is the best time to fish for Black Buffalo in Iowa?
Best fishing occurs during warmer months from late spring through early fall when they're most active, with fishing slowing considerably in colder months when they move to deeper waters. Spawning period from late April through June should be avoided by anglers to protect reproductive success.
How do you catch Black Buffalo in Iowa?
Bowfishing and snagging are the most effective methods. For rod-and-reel fishing, fish plant-based baits on the bottom. For fly fishing, watch for their dark tails visible as they tip up to forage along creek bottoms.
What do Black Buffalo eat?
Diet consists of small mollusks, aquatic insects and larvae, small crustaceans, and other animal matter. Primarily herbivorous bottom feeders.
Where do Black Buffalo live in Iowa?
Native to Iowa, rare to common in the Mississippi River and large interior rivers. Recent collections in Iowa's interior waters are primarily from Iowa River watersheds. Their occurrence in Missouri River has diminished since channelization.
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