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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are North America's largest member of the sucker family, capable of reaching over 70 pounds and living more than 100 years.

In North Carolina, they are non-native fish that were established through early 1900s stocking programs in the Pee Dee and Catawba drainages, with populations documented from 1991-2009 in the Lower Pee Dee, Rocky River, Upper Catawba, and Upper Yadkin watersheds.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:

These deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish are easily mistaken for carp but lack the serrated dorsal spine that carp possess.

They have large, oblique terminal mouths with thin lips, green-gold to black coloration with a coppery sheen, and can average 43-52 cm in length.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit main channels, pools, and backwaters of small to large rivers as well as lakes and impoundments, preferring slow water less than 5 meters deep

Key Locations

Lower Pee Dee, Rocky River, Upper Catawba, and Upper Yadkin watersheds

Specific Spots

Target slow-moving waters in larger rivers, backwaters, oxbows, marshes, freshwater lakes and ponds, especially areas with overhanging trees and bushes, rock and boulder pockets, drop-offs, undercuts, outside bends, riparian zones, dam areas, and current edges. Target areas with quiet water embayments and abundant vegetation, particularly where there are 50-75% pools present with backwaters and marsh areas.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bigmouth Buffalo in North Carolina?

Bread or dough balls, cut bait, and minnows. Heavily scented baits. Flashy presentations and vibrating lures can sometimes trigger strikes.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in North Carolina?

Small nymph presentations or lightweight streamers dressed with flashy marabou work well when dead drifted near slack water edges

When is the best time to fish for Bigmouth Buffalo in North Carolina?

Best fishing occurs outside their April-June spawning period, particularly during warmer months when water temperatures are between 72-100°F. Avoid fishing during April to June spawning period.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in North Carolina?

Use drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, and spin casting techniques. For fly fishing, small nymph presentations or lightweight streamers dressed with flashy marabou work well when dead drifted near slack water edges.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Unlike other suckers, Bigmouth Buffalo are filter-feeders that primarily consume plankton, cladocerans, and cyclopoid copepods, supplemented with midge larvae. About 90% of their diet consists of small crustaceans, algae, and other plant matter, but they very seldom eat insects, insect larvae, or other fish.

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