Skip to main content

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead are small, hardy catfish found throughout Nevada's freshwater systems. These fish are extremely tolerant of poor water quality, high turbidity, and low oxygen conditions, allowing them to thrive in waters where other species struggle.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are characterized by their dark coloration, dark chin barbels, slightly notched tail fin, and venomous pectoral spines that can inflict painful stings.
  • In Nevada, they typically range from 10-12 inches, though they can reach up to 24 inches in optimal conditions.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer slow-moving or still waters with soft substrates and are commonly found in Nevada's lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

Key Locations

  • Nesbitt Lake at Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area, which supports a robust population.

Specific Spots

  • Target muddy or vegetated areas of lakes and ponds, particularly around drop-offs and sheltered bays.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include night crawlers, minnows (live or dead), chicken liver, cut bait, dough balls, corn, cheese, and hot dogs. In Nevada waters like Nesbitt Lake, use night crawlers or prepared catfish baits for best results.

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

Fish during spring through fall for best action, as winter feeding activity decreases significantly. At Nesbitt Lake, fishing is most productive between February and June.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Nevada?

Still fishing with bait on the bottom is most productive, using bobbers or slip sinkers to maintain proper depth.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Black Bullhead are primarily nocturnal feeders with an omnivorous diet consisting of insects, leeches, crustaceans, small fish, fish e.g.gs, worms, and detritus.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Nevada?

They prefer slow-moving or still waters with soft substrates and are commonly found in Nevada's lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Black Bullhead.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Black Bullhead water

    Pick Black Bullhead and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Black Bullhead

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Black Bullhead are.

Open the map, filter by Black Bullhead, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Nevada licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.