Skip to main content

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead are small catfish that are hardy fish thriving in Kentucky's diverse freshwater environments. These nocturnal feeders are most active after dark, though juveniles may feed during daylight hours.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Small catfish typically weighing 1-2 pounds with average lengths of 6-14 inches, though they can reach up to 24 inches.
  • Distinguished by their completely black barbels (chin whiskers), squared-off tail fin, and dark coloration ranging from brown-green to black dorsally with yellow-white bellies.
  • Scaleless bodies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Thrive in Kentucky's diverse freshwater environments including farm ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs statewide.
  • They prefer slow-moving or still waters with soft substrates.

Key Locations

  • Found statewide in Kentucky.
  • Specific locations include Oakwood Lake, Cedar Lakes, and McNeely Lake in Jefferson County, as well as Pennsylvania Run and Wells Run.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas near cover such as piers, docks, undercut banks, and shaded shoreline areas during daylight hours, then focus on deeper areas at night.
  • Focus on areas with soft bottoms, woody cover, and structure like brush piles or fallen trees.
  • Look for confined spaces near lake outlets, dam areas, and backwater sections of rivers and streams.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Earthworms are extremely effective, along with chicken livers, cut bait, crickets, corn, bread or dough balls, and small minnows. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) work well. They respond well to scent baits.

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

Best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding. They spawn from April through June when water temperatures reach suitable levels. During winter, they decrease feeding activity and may hibernate by burying themselves in shoreline debris.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Kentucky?

Still fishing is the most productive technique, using a simple bottom rig with enough weight to keep bait on the bottom. Small jigs retrieved slowly near the bottom or under floats. A drop shot rig with red worms or small split shot rigs can be effective when targeting schools suspended around deeper cover.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeders with an extensive diet including midge larvae, insects, earthworms, small fish, fish e.g.gs, crustaceans, plant material, and detritus.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Kentucky?

Thrive in Kentucky's diverse freshwater environments including farm ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs statewide. They prefer slow-moving or still waters with soft substrates.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Black Bullhead.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Black Bullhead water

    Pick Black Bullhead and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Black Bullhead

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Black Bullhead are.

Open the map, filter by Black Bullhead, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Kentucky licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.