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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are one of 16 species of sucker fish found in Oklahoma, occurring primarily in larger rivers and reservoirs in the eastern half of the state.

Unlike other suckers with downturned mouths that feed on the bottom, bigmouth buffalo are unique filter-feeding fish with terminal (forward-facing) mouths.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These remarkable fish are the largest members of the sucker family, capable of reaching over 4 feet and 80 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Oklahoma reservoirs, they inhabit slow-moving backwaters, pools, and main channels of large rivers and lakes, preferring areas with vegetated flats and protected embayments.

Key Locations

  • Target the transition areas and deeper pools of larger eastern Oklahoma reservoirs like Grand Lake, Fort Gibson, Eufaula, and Texoma.
  • Studies from four Oklahoma reservoirs (Grand, Fort Gibson, Eufaula, and Texoma) show their diet peaks in spring and fall.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on slow-moving backwaters, vegetated flats, and protected embayments in 3-15 feet of water.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small artificial lures that mimic their natural food sources work best - try tiny jigs or bread and dough balls that create a scent trail in the water.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in Oklahoma?

Fly fishing can be effective using small nymph patterns, particularly during plankton hatches. Small flies that imitate zooplankton.

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

The species is most active during cooler months when plankton is more abundant, making late fall through early spring the prime seasons, while avoiding the spawning disruption period from April through June.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in Oklahoma?

Since they feed by filtering rather than actively pursuing prey, presentations should be subtle and natural. Dr.ift fishing and still fishing techniques work better than active retrieval methods. Traditional approaches require adapting to their unique feeding behavior.

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Oklahoma's bigmouth buffalo feed primarily as planktivores, straining zooplankton (especially cladocerans and copepods) from the water using fine gill rakers, while also consuming algae, chironomid larvae, ostracods, and organic detritus.

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