Black Buffalo
Black Buffalo are native freshwater fish found throughout Louisiana's river systems and are considered challenging to catch, often described as the most elusive of the buffalo species.
Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger
- Distinguished by their slate to bronze coloration with a greenish overcast, bronze sides, and lighter belly.
- They have a slightly compressed, nearly round body that's more slender than other buffalo species, with a small mouth containing short, narrow pharyngeal teeth and a distinctive sickle-shaped dorsal fin with 27-31 rays.
- They typically measure 20-48 inches and can weigh 20-56 pounds, with some specimens reaching up to 63 pounds.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Louisiana's river systems.
- Most commonly found in large rivers and lakes, particularly favoring areas with swift-flowing currents.
- Prefer deeper, faster-moving waters than their relatives, inhabiting pools, streams, rivers, and lakes with strong currents.
Key Locations
- Louisiana's major river systems including the Mississippi, Red River, and Atchafalaya Basin, as well as large lakes and reservoirs with suitable habitat.
- Range extending from the Mississippi River basins to the Gulf coast, including the Sabine Lake, Brazos River, and Rio Grande drainages.
Specific Spots
- Focus on areas with muddy or sandy bottoms in large rivers and deeper sections of lakes.
- Target locations with strong currents and deep water, particularly around submerged structures, cuts, and changes in the bank edge.
- Focus on the back of inlets, bays, and areas with vegetation.
Black Buffalo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
When is the best time to fish for Black Buffalo in Louisiana?
Most productive during warmer months from late spring through early fall, avoiding the spawning period from April through mid-June.
How do you catch Black Buffalo in Louisiana?
The most effective approach is using natural baits fished on the bottom near structure. Modern bowfishing has become increasingly popular and effective, especially at night in shallow waters where fish can be spotted and shot with specialized archery equipment.
What do Black Buffalo eat?
They're bottom feeders with a diverse diet including small mollusks (especially Asian clams), insect larvae, algae, diatoms, crustaceans, e.g.gs, vegetation, leaves, and bryophytes.
Where do Black Buffalo live in Louisiana?
Found throughout Louisiana's river systems. Most commonly found in large rivers and lakes, particularly favoring areas with swift-flowing currents. Prefer deeper, faster-moving waters than their relatives, inhabiting pools, streams, rivers, and lakes with strong currents.
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