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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are the largest members of the sucker family found in Ohio waters, capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds.

These are remarkably long-lived fish, capable of living over 100 years and reaching sexual maturity very late (around 10 years for females, 6 years for males in Ohio's latitude).

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have a distinctive terminal, forward-facing mouth (unlike other buffalo species) with thin lips and over 60 fine gill rakers used for filter feeding.
  • They're brownish-olive in color with dusky fins, though coloration varies from melanistic to golden morphs, and older fish often develop unique orange and black pigmentation spots.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit slow-moving waters in main channels, pools, backwaters of large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, preferring depths under 16 feet.

Key Locations

  • In Ohio, they're established in Lake Erie and several major river systems including the Ohio River basin, Sandusky Bay, Grand River, and Auglaize River watersheds.
  • In Ohio's Lake Erie, focus on Sandusky Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Target slow-moving sections of rivers, backwaters, oxbows, and protected embayments.
  • Target areas with 50-75% pool habitat, marsh areas, and littoral zones with submerged vegetation.
  • Focus on areas with slow current and depths under 16 feet.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Most effective baits include heavily scented dough balls, bread balls, corn, and small pieces of cut bait. Since they rarely take live bait, focus on scented artificial baits. Small jigs can be effective in murky water.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in Ohio?

Use small nymph patterns and midge imitations in sizes 16-20, particularly chironomid patterns, small cladoceran imitations, and flashy marabou jigs. Wooly buggers in olive colors and small attractor patterns can work.

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

Target from late summer through fall after spawning concludes. Avoid targeting during April-June spawning period.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Ohio?

Employ drift fishing and still fishing techniques. Fish slowly and patiently, as their feeding behavior is methodical. Use stealth approaches and quiet presentations. Present flies with slow, subtle movements near the bottom or in mid-water column.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Bigmouth Buffalo are unique among suckers as filter feeders, straining zooplankton from the water using their specialized gill rakers. Their diet consists primarily of cladocerans and copepods (about 90% small crustaceans), supplemented with chironomids (midge larvae), algae, ostracods, and other small invertebrates.

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