Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead are common freshwater catfish found throughout Louisiana's lakes, rivers, bayous, and ponds.
These hardy fish are bottom dwellers that provide excellent opportunities for beginning anglers due to their willingness to bite and widespread distribution throughout Louisiana's freshwater systems.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis
- These medium-sized fish are identified by their distinctive white or yellow chin barbels (whiskers), rounded tail, and yellow-olive to brown coloration with lighter sides and white to bright yellow belly.
- They typically reach 6-14 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, though specimens up to 25 inches and 6+ pounds have been recorded.
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 lakes, rivers, bayous, and ponds.
- They prefer muddy bottoms with vegetation and can tolerate poor water quality and low oxygen conditions.
Key Locations
- Productive Louisiana waters include the Calcasieu River, Bayou Choctaw, McIntosh Bayou, and countless smaller bayous and ponds throughout the state.
- In Louisiana, they inhabit slow-moving waters including the Calcasieu River system, Bayou Choctaw near Pineville and Cheneyville, McIntosh Bayou in Alexandria, and numerous smaller bayous, lakes, and tributaries.
Specific Spots
- Target shallow areas with soft bottoms, vegetation, and structure like fallen trees, stumps, rocks, or root systems.
Yellow Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in Louisiana?
Natural baits work exceptionally well: live or dead minnows, leeches, crickets, nightcrawlers (try soaking worms in pickled beet juice for bright red color in murky water), chicken liver, cut bait, corn, marshmallows, bread balls, and hot dogs.
When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in Louisiana?
Yellow Bullhead fishing is most productive from spring through fall, with peak activity during April through September when water temperatures are warmest. During spawning periods (April through June), they become less available to anglers as they focus on reproduction rather than feeding.
How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Louisiana?
Fish baits on or near bottom using Carolina rigs or slip bobbers. Multiple hook rigs can increase success.
What do Yellow Bullhead eat?
Yellow Bullhead are opportunistic scavengers that feed at night on a diverse diet including worms, insects, snails, minnows, crayfish, clams, plant matter, and decaying organic material - consuming more aquatic vegetation than other bullhead species.
Where do Yellow Bullhead live in Louisiana?
Found throughout Louisiana's lakes, rivers, bayous, and ponds. They prefer muddy bottoms with vegetation and can tolerate poor water quality and low oxygen conditions.
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