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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are the largest members of the sucker family in Missouri, capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds. These ancient fish are biological marvels, living over 127 years and showing no age-related decline even at a century old.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from carp by their lack of barbels and fin spines, featuring a large terminal mouth, robust deep body, and long sickle-shaped dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Missouri waters, they inhabit the Mississippi and Missouri river systems, particularly slower-moving backwaters, oxbow lakes, and large reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi and Missouri river systems, oxbow lakes, and large reservoirs like those found throughout the Missouri River drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Target slow-moving backwaters, fish near submerged vegetation or silty bottoms where they filter-feed on plankton.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bigmouth Buffalo in Missouri?

Small jigs in murky water, heavily scented dough balls, bread balls, and corn. Traditional baits are largely ineffective due to their filter feeding nature.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in Missouri?

Small nymph and midge patterns, flashy marabou jigs being particularly effective.

When is the best time to fish for Bigmouth Buffalo in Missouri?

Best fishing occurs during warm periods. They spawn in spring (April-June) when water temperatures reach 55-79°F - anglers should avoid targeting them during this period.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Missouri?

Still fishing and drift fishing with baits positioned close to the bottom work well, though they may feed throughout the water column. Bowfishing has become popular as they often swim near the surface.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

They're filter feeders with fine gill rakers that strain zooplankton, cladocerans, copepods, algae, chironomids, and small crustaceans from the water column. Unlike their smallmouth and black buffalo relatives, bigmouth buffalo are primarily planktonic feeders.

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Missouri licenses and regulations

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