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Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead are native freshwater catfish found throughout Maryland's waters, ranging from the Anacostia River to major tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

These hardy fish are extremely tolerant of poor water quality, low oxygen levels (as low as 0. 2 ppm), and can survive in heavily polluted waters where other species struggle.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically grow 12-20 inches long and weigh 1-8 pounds, with smooth, slimy skin featuring a mottled brown-olive coloration and distinctive dark chin barbels.
  • These nocturnal feeders rely heavily on their sensitive barbels to locate food since they have poor eyesight.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Abundant in Maryland's slow-moving ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, particularly favoring muddy or sandy bottoms with vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Anacostia River, major tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Patuxent, Patapsco, and South River watersheds, numerous ponds and reservoirs throughout Anne Arundel County, various ponds and streams in Anne Arundel County watersheds, Montgomery County parks waters, and tributaries of major river systems.

Specific Spots

  • Target vegetated shallow areas with muddy bottoms, rocky shorelines, and slow-moving waters.
  • Fish near woody debris, undercut banks, and areas with submerged vegetation.
  • They build nests in dark, protected areas under rocks or logs.

Brown Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Natural baits including nightcrawlers (especially pungent ones from compost piles), chicken livers, cut bait, and minnows. Corn is surprisingly effective.

What flies work for Brown Bullhead in Maryland?

Microjigs (1/80 to 1/64 oz on #8 hooks), dark, spongy fly patterns. Color doesn't matter much for microjigs. Scenting flies with fish slime from previously caught sunfish can dramatically improve success.

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

Prime fishing from late spring through summer after spawning concludes in June. Avoid targeting them during spawning period from April through June when water temperatures exceed 65°F (14-29°C).

How do you catch Brown Bullhead in Maryland?

Bottom fishing, fishing slowly with long pauses between retrieves. For fly fishing, suspend microjigs under strike indicators, casting parallel to shorelines and retrieving very slowly.

What do Brown Bullhead eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeders with a diverse diet including aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans, crayfish, small fish, fish e.g.gs, worms, leeches, algae, and vegetation.

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