Black Bullhead

Nightcrawlers (especially those soaked in pickled beet juice for added color and scent), minnows, leeches, chicken liver, corn, cheese, marshmallows, and bread balls. Stinky baits work exceptionally well since Black Bullhead are covered in taste buds and rely heavily on scent to locate food.

Warmest months from late spring through early fall, with peak activity occurring after dark. During hot summer months, they become less active so target cooler periods. During spawning from May through July, avoid targeting them as both parents guard the nest and young for several weeks.

Simple bottom fishing techniques, still fishing or slow drift presentations, keeping bait in contact with the bottom. For fly fishing, suspend small microjigs (1/80 to 1/64 oz) under strike indicators and retrieve very slowly with long pauses.

Adults are primarily nocturnal feeders with an omnivorous diet consisting of aquatic insects (especially midge and mayfly larvae), small fish, crayfish, worms, mollusks, plant material, and fish e.g.gs. They're particularly fond of fathead minnows, which are abundant in Missouri waters.

Found throughout the state in lakes, ponds, streams, and backwaters. They inhabit virtually any aquatic habitat but prefer slow-moving, warm, turbid waters with mud or silt substrates.