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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) in Mississippi are full-bodied catfish with small eyes and distinctive dark chin barbels.

These hardy fish are bottom feeders that are extremely tolerant of poor water conditions, including high temperatures (up to 95°F), low dissolved oxygen, and turbid waters with mud or silt substrates.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Full-bodied catfish with small eyes and distinctive dark chin barbels.
  • The upper jaw protrudes past the lower jaw, with coloration ranging from a mixture of black, yellow, and brown on the upper sides and back to white on the belly.
  • While capable of reaching over 20 inches and 7 pounds, most average less than a pound.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit streams, deep pools, and oxbow lakes throughout Mississippi, performing better in smaller water areas than large reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Streams, deep pools, and oxbow lakes throughout Mississippi.
  • Mississippi's state record is 5.56 pounds from Sunrise Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Target streams, small ponds, deep pools, and oxbow lakes rather than large reservoirs.
  • Focus on muddy or silty bottom areas with slow-moving or stagnant water.
  • Fish near aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, or other cover where they congregate during daylight hours.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Bullhead in Mississippi?

Most effective baits are natural options like worms (particularly effective when soaked in pickled beet juice for color), minnows, leeches, and crickets. They also readily take corn, cheese, hot dogs, white bread, marshmallows, chicken liver, and dough balls made from various ingredients.

When is the best time to fish for Black Bullhead in Mississippi?

Spring through fall when they feed most actively, with summer being particularly productive for night fishing. Spawning season is May-July (spawning periods should be avoided for fishing). They spawn from early spring through summer when water temperatures reach 68-72°F.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Mississippi?

Use bottom-fishing techniques with sinkers or bobbers to keep bait near the substrate where they feed. These fish provide good sport on light tackle and are generally easy to catch with basic bottom-fishing techniques.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Bottom feeders that prey primarily on crayfish, aquatic insects, and small fish. Their omnivorous diet includes midge larvae, mayfly larvae, small crayfish, worms, mollusks, crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and even small minnows.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Mississippi?

Inhabit streams, deep pools, and oxbow lakes throughout Mississippi, performing better in smaller water areas than large reservoirs.

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