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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullheads are native to Louisiana's interior basins, naturally occurring from the Gulf of Mexico coast through the Mississippi River system.

They're established in multiple bioregions and are extremely tolerant of poor water quality conditions including low oxygen, high turbidity, and warm temperatures up to 86°F, while also handling salinities up to 10 PSU.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • These bullhead catfish are distinguished by their dark chin barbels, squared tail fin, and robust build with small eyes.
  • They typically reach 6-14 inches in length, weighing 1-2 pounds, though specimens can grow up to 24 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Louisiana, they're established in multiple bioregions including Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, Breton/Chandeleur Sound, Mississippi River, Barataria Bay, Terrebonne/Timbalier Bays, Atchafalaya/Vermilion Bays, and Mermentau River.
  • In Louisiana waters, they inhabit pools, backwaters, slow currents over soft substrates in creeks, rivers, impoundments, oxbows, ponds, and marshes.

Key Locations

  • Lake Pontchartrain.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on confined areas like lake outlets, under dams, piers, and shady shore areas where they congregate.
  • In Louisiana's marshes and bays, look for moving water around cuts, points, and structure changes along banks.
  • Focus on backwaters, slow currents, and dead-end sloughs where they commonly feed.
  • Notable Louisiana populations exist in Lake Pontchartrain, where they thrive in confined areas like under dams and around structures.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include earthworms, night crawlers, cut bait, minnows, bread or dough balls, and live shrimp. Black Bullheads respond well to natural baits due to their omnivorous feeding habits and sensitive taste receptors.

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

Peak fishing occurring May through August when water temperatures are warm. Fish deeper waters during cold winter months when they're less active, then transition to shallower areas as water temperatures warm in spring.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Louisiana?

Since they're bottom feeders, use still fishing techniques with baits presented near or on the bottom in soft substrate areas. Dr.ift fishing and spin casting can also be effective techniques.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Black Bullheads are omnivorous bottom feeders with an incredibly diverse diet including midge larvae, aquatic insects, small fish, fish e.g.gs, crayfish, aquatic plants, and detritus.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, they're established in multiple bioregions including Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, Breton/Chandeleur Sound, Mississippi River, Barataria Bay, Terrebonne/Timbalier Bays, Atchafalaya/Vermilion Bays, and Mermentau River.

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