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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

The Bigmouth Buffalo is Kentucky's largest native member of the sucker family, capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds.

These remarkable fish are among North America's longest-lived freshwater species, capable of living over 100 years and showing late maturity.

Unlike other buffalo species, Bigmouth Buffalo are filter feeders with terminal mouths and fine gill rakers (60+ on the first arch) that strain plankton from the water.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds.
  • Unlike other buffalo species, Bigmouth Buffalo are filter feeders with terminal mouths and fine gill rakers (60+ on the first arch) that strain plankton from the water.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer slow-moving waters under 5 meters deep and prefer areas with 50-75% pools, backwaters, and marsh areas during spring and summer.

Key Locations

  • In Kentucky, they inhabit the main channels, pools, and backwaters of the Ohio River system, Mississippi River drainage, and major reservoirs.
  • Fish main river channels, backwaters, oxbows, and reservoir areas in the Ohio River system.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in still water situations where they feed from the surface film, or when suspended just below the surface in shallow mud flats.
  • Fish main river channels, backwaters, oxbows, and reservoir areas.
  • Look for fish feeding on surface scum in river eddies.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in Kentucky?

Key fly patterns include small nymphs (particularly stonefly nymph imitations), glo bugs drifted slowly near feeding fish, woolly buggers, and specialized patterns like cottonwood seed flies. Foam patterns work well when fish are feeding on surface scum in river eddies.

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

Spawning occurs from April through June when water temperatures reach 55-79°F - avoid targeting them during this vulnerable period. Best success occurs during June-July when natural cottonwood seeds are on the water.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Kentucky?

The most effective approach is fly fishing with specific techniques and patterns. In current, fish must be presented on the bottom using techniques like anchoring the fly stationary or letting it barely roll across rocks.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Their diet consists primarily of zooplankton including cladocerans and copepods (about 75% of diet), supplemented by chironomids and other invertebrates. They also consume algae, ostracods, and various insect larvae.

Where do Bigmouth Buffalo live in Kentucky?

They prefer slow-moving waters under 5 meters deep and prefer areas with 50-75% pools, backwaters, and marsh areas during spring and summer.

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