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Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead in Missouri are listed as a Species of Conservation Concern with extremely limited distribution.

These hardy catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders that are primarily nocturnal feeders with poor eyesight, relying heavily on their sensitive barbels to locate food.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically grow 7-15 inches and weigh 0.3-2.2 pounds in Missouri, with maximum sizes reaching 18 inches and 3.7 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Only self-sustaining natural populations exist at Duck Creek and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Bollinger and Wayne counties.
  • They have been historically stocked in ponds with most stockings failing to establish populations.

Key Locations

  • Duck Creek and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Bollinger and Wayne counties.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with moderate to dense aquatic vegetation, particularly pondweed beds, in quiet water with mud or silt bottoms.
  • Fish near logs, rocks, or underwater cover where they nest and hide during daylight hours.

Brown Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brown Bullhead in Missouri?

Nightcrawlers (especially those soaked in pickled beet juice for color), chicken livers, cut bait, minnows, corn, and dough balls.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Bullhead in Missouri?

Optimal fishing season runs from late spring through summer, but avoid spawning periods from May through July when they're nesting.

How do you catch Brown Bullhead in Missouri?

Still fishing and drift fishing techniques work best, with bait presented in areas near logs, rocks, or underwater cover where they nest and hide during daylight hours.

What do Brown Bullhead eat?

Consume algae, insects, mollusks, crustaceans, crayfish, small fish, fish e.g.gs, leeches, worms, and aquatic vegetation.

Where do Brown Bullhead live in Missouri?

Only self-sustaining natural populations exist at Duck Creek and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Bollinger and Wayne counties. They have been historically stocked in ponds with most stockings failing to establish populations.

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