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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) are native to New Jersey waters and considered one of the state's native freshwater sportfish, along with Brook Trout, Pumpkinseed, and other indigenous species.

They're medium-sized bullhead catfish rarely exceeding 2 pounds, though they can reach up to 6 pounds.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from other bullheads by their white or yellow chin barbels, yellow-olive to slate-black backs, and rounded caudal fins with 24-27 anal fin rays.
  • They're medium-sized bullhead catfish rarely exceeding 2 pounds, though they can reach up to 6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit shallow, weedy areas of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams throughout New Jersey, including Cooper River locations, Pine Barrens waters, and tidal areas of rivers.
  • In New Jersey's Pine Barrens, Yellow Bullheads thrive in the naturally acidic waters making them characteristic fish of sluggish Pine Barrens streams and lakes.

Key Locations

  • Cooper River Lake, Upper Cooper River, and various Pine Barrens waterways.
  • The muddy, oxygen-rich waters of the Upper Cooper River and similar Pine Barrens locations.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with muck, sand, or clay substrates around submerged cover like logs, rocks, or dense vegetation.
  • Target them in shallow, weedy areas and concentrate in deeper pools.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in New Jersey?

cut bait, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, crickets, dough balls, minnows, and various prepared baits. Effective lures include jigs worked slowly near bottom structure.

When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in New Jersey?

They're easy to catch year-round except during spawning season (April-July), with excellent action possible even in winter since they remain active in cold water.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in New Jersey?

Use simple still fishing techniques with baits fished on or near the bottom. Effective lures include jigs worked slowly near bottom structure. For flies, use weighted patterns to reach bottom depths where they feed.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

These opportunistic omnivores with over 200,000 taste buds covering their bodies, using barbels to locate food in murky water. Their diet includes minnows, crayfish, insects, worms, snails, aquatic vegetation, and detritus - consuming more plant matter than other bullheads.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in New Jersey?

They inhabit shallow, weedy areas of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams throughout New Jersey, including Cooper River locations, Pine Barrens waters, and tidal areas of rivers.

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