Black Bullhead
Black bullhead are native freshwater catfish found throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they're most common in the southern half of the state.
They show remarkable tolerance for turbid water and low oxygen conditions that many fish cannot survive. This adaptability allows them to thrive in marginal habitats where other species struggle.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas
- These are Minnesota's smallest bullhead species, typically reaching 6-10 inches long and weighing less than 400 grams, though they can grow up to 18 inches.
- Black bullheads can be identified by their greenish-brown to black dorsal coloration with yellow ventral sides, dark chin barbels, squared tail fins, and a light-colored bar at the base of the tail.
- They have bodies covered in taste buds rather than scales, using their barbels to locate food in dark waters.
Fishing in Minnesota
Mississippi River
Sauk River
Rum River
Lake Minnetonka
Mille Lacs Lake
Crow River
Snake River
Little Rock Lake
Julia Lake
Long Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they're most common in the southern half of the state.
- Target slow-moving waters with soft bottoms including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams throughout Minnesota, particularly in the southern regions.
Key Locations
- Bailey Slough WPA in Lac Qui Parle County, and waters like West Two River Reservoir, Fayal Pond, and various metro area lakes like Twin Lakes, Silver Lake, and Silverwood Park.
Specific Spots
- Focus on areas with soft mud bottoms, around docks, piers, under overhanging vegetation, and in confined spaces near dams or lake outlets.
Black Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Bullhead in Minnesota?
The most effective baits include live or dead minnows, leeches, crickets, nightcrawlers, and worms. Many anglers soak worms in pickled beet juice for bright red coloration that attracts fish in murky water.
When is the best time to fish for Black Bullhead in Minnesota?
Black bullheads can be caught year-round in Minnesota with no closed seasons. The best fishing occurs from spring through fall.
How do you catch Black Bullhead in Minnesota?
Fish near the bottom using sinkers or bobbers, keeping bait close to the substrate where they feed. Employ still fishing, drift fishing, or basic bottom fishing techniques.
What do Black Bullhead eat?
Black bullheads are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, feeding on insects (all life stages), clams, snails, water fleas, small crustaceans, crayfish, leeches, plant material, and occasionally small fish.
Where do Black Bullhead live in Minnesota?
Found throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they're most common in the southern half of the state. Target slow-moving waters with soft bottoms including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams throughout Minnesota, particularly in the southern regions.
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