Bigmouth Buffalo
The Bigmouth Buffalo is the largest member of the sucker family and a native species in Mississippi's large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs.
These remarkable fish are among the longest-lived freshwater fish, capable of living over 100 years and not reaching sexual maturity until 6-10 years old.
Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus
- Distinguished from common carp by the lack of barbels on their large, wide mouth that points straight ahead, they have a coppery olive-brown or gray back with white belly and lips.
- These fish can reach lengths of 4 feet and weights up to 80 pounds.
Fishing in Mississippi
Pearl River
Yazoo River
Mississippi River
Leaf River
Bouie River
Ross R Barnett Reservoir
Lake Castle
Big Black River
Pelahatchie Creek
Lake Dockery
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Mississippi's large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River system, large tributaries, backwater areas, and reservoir environments.
- Target large rivers like the Mississippi, slow-moving sections of major tributaries, oxbow lakes, and reservoir backwaters.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with muddy bottoms and vegetation.
- Focus efforts in deeper pools, backwaters, and marsh areas where buffalo congregate.
Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Bigmouth Buffalo in Mississippi?
Dough balls, bread balls, semolina balls, small gobs of worms, particularly bloodworms, wax worms, maggots, and night crawlers.
When is the best time to fish for Bigmouth Buffalo in Mississippi?
Focus efforts during warmer months when they swim near the surface in shallow areas for bowfishing. Avoid the spring spawning period when water temperatures are between 58-78°F and fish are in shallow, vegetated spawning areas.
How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Mississippi?
Baits must be positioned where buffalo can vacuum them in rather than requiring the fish to actively hunt. Bowfishing has become increasingly popular for buffalo, particularly during warmer months when they swim near the surface in shallow areas.
What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?
Primarily filter-feeders, using fine gill rakers to strain plankton from the water, though they also feed on bottom-dwelling insects, mollusks, plants, and algae.
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