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Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo are native members of the sucker family (Catostomidae) found in North Dakota's Missouri River System. Often confused with Common Carp, they are actually a distinct native species.

These long-lived fish can survive over 60 years and while sometimes overlooked by anglers, they provide excellent sport fishing opportunities and are considered good table fare.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus bubalus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinct native species with no barbels and a small, downward-oriented mouth.
  • These stocky fish typically reach 16-24 inches and 2-8 pounds, though specimens up to 37 pounds have been recorded.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in North Dakota's Missouri River System, including Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River itself.
  • They prefer deeper waters than their bigmouth buffalo relatives and are more likely found over fine substrates in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River System, particularly Lake Sakakawea, the Missouri River near Bismarck and Williston, and associated backwaters and tributary mouths.

Specific Spots

  • Deep pools, current seams, areas with moderate flow, muddy bottoms with dense vegetation, and transition zones between shallow and deep water.
  • Fish around boulders, in eddies, and near tributary confluences.

Smallmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Smallmouth Buffalo in North Dakota?

1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs with soft plastics, hair jigs with 4-inch worm trailers, small crankbaits in crawfish patterns, dough balls, nightcrawlers, corn, and cut bait.

What flies work for Smallmouth Buffalo in North Dakota?

Woolly buggers, marabou jigs (1/100 oz), carp crack patterns, foxy lady flies, small stonefly nymph imitations, and glo bug patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Smallmouth Buffalo in North Dakota?

Late spring through early fall when water temperatures are between 60-75°F, with the best action occurring from June through September.

How do you catch Smallmouth Buffalo in North Dakota?

For fly fishing, use bottom-drifting techniques. Present flies quietly and precisely within the fish's direct sightline, often requiring the bait to be placed right on their nose. Fish slowly along bottom structure. Look for feeding sign like bubble trails and mud clouds indicating bottom-feeding activity.

What do Smallmouth Buffalo eat?

Primarily detritivores and bottom feeders, using their ventral sucker mouth to consume zooplankton, insect larvae (particularly small stonefly nymphs), mollusk larvae, small crustaceans, algae, and organic matter from river bottoms. They're opportunistic feeders whose diet varies based on available food sources.

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