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Black Buffalo

Black Buffalo

The Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) is a native North American freshwater fish belonging to the sucker family (Catostomidae). In Oklahoma, they're found throughout the state's rivers and reservoirs as part of their natural range.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus niger

Physical Characteristics:
  • These are substantial fish, typically measuring 20-30 inches and weighing 10-30 pounds, though they can reach up to 48 inches and over 60 pounds.
  • Black Buffalo are distinguished by their slate to bronze backs with greenish overcast, bronze sides, and lighter bellies.
  • They have small mouths with thick lips, compact snouts, and sickle-shaped dorsal fins with 27-31 rays.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Their natural range extends from the Mississippi Basin through Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
  • They prefer large rivers, sloughs, backwaters, reservoirs, impoundments, and large streams with deep freshwater and strong currents.

Key Locations

  • In Oklahoma's reservoirs and river systems, focus on areas with strong currents in large rivers, particularly the deeper sections of major waterways.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper pools and depressions in larger rivers with steady current flow, particularly areas with abundant aquatic vegetation or gravel-rock bottoms where they forage.
  • Target calm eddie pockets along river shores and backwater areas.

Black Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include creep pellets (livestock/horse feed) secured with brightly colored rubber bands, night crawlers on Carolina rigs, corn, dough balls, and prepared baits with strong scents like bread or soybean-based dough. The colored rubber bands appear to trigger their visual feeding response.

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

Best fishing occurs during cooler months. Avoid fishing during spawning period from April through mid-June.

How do you catch Black Buffalo in Oklahoma?

The most effective modern technique is bowfishing at night in shallow waters, particularly during their spring movements to flooded areas, though this should be done outside of spawning periods. For traditional angling, use a simple hook and line setup with extreme patience.

What do Black Buffalo eat?

Black Buffalo are benthic feeders with a diet focused on bottom-dwelling organisms. They primarily consume Asiatic clams (Corbicula), which make up the largest portion of their diet, along with algae, diatoms, small mollusks, insect larvae, crustaceans, and vegetation including leaves, bryophytes, and aquatic plants...

Where do Black Buffalo live in Oklahoma?

Their natural range extends from the Mississippi Basin through Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. They prefer large rivers, sloughs, backwaters, reservoirs, impoundments, and large streams with deep freshwater and strong currents.

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