Skip to main content

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) are native to the Mississippi River drainages but are not naturally found in Maryland's Atlantic Slope waters, though they have been introduced to some Atlantic drainages.

These distinctive catfish are distinguished from their brown and yellow bullhead cousins by their dark-colored chin barbels (versus white or yellow), slightly notched caudal fin, and uniform coloration without mottling.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically reach 6-14 inches with the largest specimens up to 24 inches, making them the largest of the bullhead species.
  • Distinguished by their dark-colored chin barbels (versus white or yellow), slightly notched caudal fin, and uniform coloration without mottling.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Black bullheads inhabit slow-moving waters with soft substrates including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, backwaters, and the deeper holes of small creeks.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with soft bottoms, weed beds, deeper holes in creeks, slow backwaters, and areas around structure like docks or fallen trees.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include nightcrawlers (especially those from compost piles for stronger scent), chicken liver, cut bait from any fish species, corn, bread or dough balls, minnows, and dead shiners. Since bullheads rely heavily on smell due to poor eyesight, scented baits work best.

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

They spawn from May through July when water temperatures reach 68-72°F. The fish tend to stack up in deeper channel sections during winter months and move to shallower flats as water warms.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Maryland?

The most effective approach uses bottom fishing rigs. When a bullhead picks up the bait, allow it to run briefly before setting the hook hard, as they have bony mouths and tend to clamp down tightly on offerings.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Black bullheads are omnivorous bottom-feeders. Their diet consists primarily of chironomid larvae (midges), aquatic invertebrates, small fish, fish e.g.gs, crayfish, and plant material, with young feeding on ostracods, amphipods, copepods, and insect larvae.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Maryland?

Black bullheads inhabit slow-moving waters with soft substrates including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, backwaters, and the deeper holes of small creeks.

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.

Maryland 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.