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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) are one of three bullhead species found in New York waters, alongside brown and black bullheads. They're opportunistic bottom-feeding predators that are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular in their feeding habits.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're easily distinguished by their white or yellowish barbels (whiskers) and completely rounded tail, unlike the notched tails of black bullheads or square tails of brown bullheads.
  • They typically reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years old and 6-10 inches, with maximum sizes reaching up to 15 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Distributed throughout all watersheds in the state.
  • They inhabit shallow, soft-bottomed, weedy parts of clear warm lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams or canals, showing remarkable tolerance for pollution compared to other ictalurids.

Key Locations

  • In New York's Great Lakes region, focus on areas like Mexico Point on Lake Ontario, Cleveland and Oneida Creek areas on Oneida Lake, and the northeastern shore of Delta Lake.
  • Productive waters include the St.
  • Lawrence River, Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, and countless ponds and streams throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow, weedy shoreline areas of lakes, particularly around tributary stream mouths, protected bays, and marshes.
  • In New York's Great Lakes region, bullhead fishing is particularly productive in harbors, protected bays, and marshes during spring warming periods.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits include nightcrawlers, leeches, minnows, crickets, and worms - soaking worms in pickled beet juice creates a bright red color that's highly attractive in murky water. Alternative baits like chicken liver, corn, cheese, hot dogs, bread balls, and marshmallows also work well.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in New York?

Yellow bullheads are best targeted during spring and early summer in New York, particularly when spring peeper frogs begin calling, which signals the start of peak bullhead season.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

Their diet consists of omnivorous feeding on insects, crustaceans, fish, crayfish, snails, algae, leeches, worms, mollusks, and plant material.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in New York?

Distributed throughout all watersheds in the state. They inhabit shallow, soft-bottomed, weedy parts of clear warm lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams or canals, showing remarkable tolerance for pollution compared to other ictalurids.

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