Brown Bullhead
Brown Bullhead are widely distributed throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they are more common in the southern half of the state. These hardy catfish are extremely adaptable survivors that thrive in conditions that would kill other fish.
Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus
- These hardy catfish grow 8-14 inches on average but can reach up to 21 inches, with a characteristic brown-green coloration that's darker dorsally and lighter yellow toward the belly, featuring distinctive mottled brown-black speckles.
- They have eight dark brown to yellowish-brown barbels around their mouth, no scales, and sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can inject mild venom.
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
- Widely distributed throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they are more common in the southern half of the state.
- They thrive in slow-moving, quiet waters with soft mud, sand, and gravel bottoms.
Key Locations
- Brown bullheads are found throughout Minnesota in various water types including Bush Lake, Penn Lake, and Smith Park Pond in Bloomington, plus countless lakes, ponds, streams, and river backwaters statewide.
Specific Spots
- Fish areas near fallen trees, overhanging banks, or docks.
- Target areas with soft bottoms, vegetation, and structure like sunken objects, undercuts, and overhanging trees.
Brown Bullhead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Brown Bullhead in Minnesota?
Effective natural baits include nightcrawlers (especially those from compost piles for stronger scent), chicken livers, minnows, leeches, crickets, and cut bait.
When is the best time to fish for Brown Bullhead in Minnesota?
Target them from late spring through fall for best success, avoiding their spawning period in late spring/early summer.
How do you catch Brown Bullhead in Minnesota?
Use simple bottom fishing techniques. Still fishing and drift fishing are the most productive methods.
What do Brown Bullhead eat?
These omnivorous bottom feeders eat aquatic invertebrates like crayfish, freshwater mussels, snails, insects, other fish, fish e.g.gs, plants, and even corn.
Where do Brown Bullhead live in Minnesota?
Widely distributed throughout Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, though they are more common in the southern half of the state. They thrive in slow-moving, quiet waters with soft mud, sand, and gravel bottoms.
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