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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) are native freshwater catfish found throughout Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed. These hardy fish tolerate poor water quality, low oxygen levels, and high pollution, making them widespread across Maryland's waters.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their white or yellow chin barbels, rounded tail, and yellowish-brown coloration, they rarely exceed 2 pounds but can reach up to 6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly in shallow, vegetated, slow-flowing streams, ponds, lakes, and backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Prime Maryland locations include the shallow areas of Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, Little Seneca Lake, and vegetated sections of the Patuxent and other Chesapeake tributaries.
  • Major rivers like the Patuxent, South, and Patapsco watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Cast to the deepest holes in creeks, slow backwaters, river eddies, and edges of weed beds over soft substrates.
  • Focus on areas with submerged logs, stumps, and dense aquatic vegetation in 3-8 feet of water.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Yellow bullheads respond well to smelly baits including chicken livers, nightcrawlers, crickets, cut bait, bread or dough balls, and even grocery store items like hot dogs, cheese, and marshmallows.

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

Fish from late summer through winter for best results, avoiding the April-July spawning season.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Maryland?

Still fishing from shore works best, though drift fishing and light jigging can be effective. Allow fish to run with bait before setting the hook hard, as bullheads have tough mouths and tend to be cautious biters.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

Yellow bullheads are opportunistic feeders with over 200,000 taste buds covering their bodies, consuming worms, insects, crayfish, minnows, clams, aquatic invertebrates, and notably more aquatic vegetation than other bullhead species.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in Maryland?

Found throughout Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly in shallow, vegetated, slow-flowing streams, ponds, lakes, and backwaters.

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