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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

The Black Bullhead is the most common and widely distributed of the three bullhead species found in Iowa, present statewide in natural lakes, man-made lakes, farm ponds, and river systems.

These hardy catfish are resilient fish that tolerate high temperatures, low oxygen levels, pollution, and siltation.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their dark olive to black coloration (though some waters produce light brown variants), dusky or black chin barbels, light-colored band at the base of the tail, and 17-20 rays in the anal fin.
  • In Iowa waters, they typically range from 7-9 inches in food-scarce or high-density situations, but in larger northern Iowa lakes can reach two pounds or more, with the state record being a 5.5-pound, 22-inch specimen from a farm pond.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Present statewide in natural lakes, man-made lakes, farm ponds, and river systems.
  • They inhabit backwaters, oxbows, sloughs, marshes, ponds, reservoirs, and tributary confluences.
  • Less common in flowing waters like the Missouri River.
  • Populations are most abundant in northern Iowa's natural lakes.

Key Locations

  • Major Iowa waters including the Mississippi River pools and backwaters, Spirit Lake, Saylorville Reservoir, the Okoboji lakes, and numerous other lakes and reservoirs statewide.
  • Silver Lake in Dickinson County has been particularly productive.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky shorelines, shallow areas near docks and piers, weed beds, and muddy bottom areas.
  • Focus on quiet, silt-bottomed areas away from current, preferring areas away from strong currents with low fish diversity.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Half a night crawler (described as 'bullhead candy'), live or dead minnows, leeches, crickets, worms (especially night crawlers soaked in pickled beet juice for bright red color), cut bait, chicken liver, corn, cheese, hot dogs, bread chunks, and dough balls.

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

Easiest to catch from spring through fall, with spawning periods in May-early June being times to avoid targeting them. Prime fishing season runs from late spring through early fall.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Iowa?

For fly fishing, retrieve slowly parallel to shorelines with long pauses. The microjig technique proves most effective for fly fishing.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Strictly omnivorous, feeding extensively on midge and mayfly larvae, insects and larvae, small crayfish, worms, mollusks, crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and minnows - particularly the abundant fathead minnows found throughout Iowa waters.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Iowa?

Present statewide in natural lakes, man-made lakes, farm ponds, and river systems. They inhabit backwaters, oxbows, sloughs, marshes, ponds, reservoirs, and tributary confluences. Less common in flowing waters like the Missouri River. Populations are most abundant in northern Iowa's natural lakes.

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