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Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

The Brown Bullhead is Pennsylvania's most widely distributed bullhead catfish, found across the state in suitable habitat. They are remarkably hardy bottom-dwellers that are primarily nocturnal, using sensitive barbels to locate food in darkness.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Average 12-15 inches in Pennsylvania, with an 18-inch, three-pound specimen considered a trophy near the size maximum.
  • Distinguished by dark, grayish-black chin barbels (may have whitish color at base), brown or black mottled sides, and a square-tipped or slightly rounded tail fin with strong pectoral spines having 5-8 sawlike teeth on rear edges.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to Atlantic and Gulf Coast watersheds from eastern Canada to Alabama, originally found in the Great Lakes system, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River watershed.
  • Prefer ponds, bays of larger lakes, and slow-moving sections and pools of warmwater streams.

Key Locations

  • Hills Creek Lake in Tioga County, Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park (Butler County), Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County), Raystown Lake (Huntingdon County), Blue Marsh Lake (Berks County), Foster Joseph Sayers Lake (Centre County), various sections of the Susquehanna River system, West Branch Susquehanna River in Clearfield County, and Francis Slocum State Park (Luzerne County).

Specific Spots

  • Over soft mud or muck with plenty of underwater vegetation, can be found as deep as 40 feet, areas with muddy bottoms and vegetation.

Brown Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brown Bullhead in Pennsylvania?

Nightcrawlers (especially those from compost piles with stronger smell), chicken livers, cut bait, minnows, corn, dough balls, cheese, and various stinkbaits.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Bullhead in Pennsylvania?

Warmer months from late spring through summer. Avoid targeting them during spawning period in late spring (May-June) when water temperatures reach 70 degrees.

How do you catch Brown Bullhead in Pennsylvania?

Still fishing, drift fishing techniques, fish baits on or near the bottom using sliding sinker rigs.

What do Brown Bullhead eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeders that consume aquatic insects and larvae, worms, minnows, small fish, crayfish, snails, freshwater clams, and algae.

Where do Brown Bullhead live in Pennsylvania?

Native to Atlantic and Gulf Coast watersheds from eastern Canada to Alabama, originally found in the Great Lakes system, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River watershed. Prefer ponds, bays of larger lakes, and slow-moving sections and pools of warmwater streams.

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