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Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo are large, native freshwater fish that belong to the sucker family (Catostomidae), not the carp family as commonly mistaken.

In Pennsylvania, they are part of the species' native range which includes the Lake Michigan drainage and Mississippi River basin from Pennsylvania and Michigan to Montana and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus bubalus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, highly compressed fish have slate brown fins, bronze or slate olive backs, and bronze sides that lighten with age.
  • They feature a distinctive blunt snout with a small, ventral horizontal mouth containing 180-190 small fragile teeth per arch.
  • Adults typically reach 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) in length, though specimens can grow up to 30.1 kg (66.4 pounds) and 101.5 cm (40 inches).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native range includes the Lake Michigan drainage and Mississippi River basin from Pennsylvania and Michigan to Montana and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
  • They prefer faster-flowing waters than their relatives the Bigmouth and Black Buffalo, showing preference for deeper water and fine substrates.

Key Locations

  • Pennsylvania's large river systems like the Ohio River Basin tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • In Pennsylvania's river systems, they inhabit pools, oxbow lakes, deeper waters of large rivers, and sometimes backwaters.
  • Target areas with abundant organic matter, muddy or silty bottoms, and dense aquatic vegetation where they forage for food.
  • Look for deeper waters during the day as they move to shallower areas at night to feed.
  • Focus on pools, deeper sections, and areas with fine substrates where smallmouth buffalo concentrate.

Smallmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective options include nightcrawlers, doughballs, corn, cut bait, beans, peas, blood worms, and insects. Many Pennsylvania anglers swear by spicy baits such as chili peppers or regular baits dipped in hot sauce.

What flies work for Smallmouth Buffalo in Pennsylvania?

Woolly buggers, glo bug patterns, small stonefly nymphs, carp crack patterns, foxy lady patterns, and 1/100 oz marabou jigs.

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

Most productive during spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate. The spawning period from April through early June should be avoided to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch Smallmouth Buffalo in Pennsylvania?

Effective fishing methods include bait casting, drift fishing, spin casting, still fishing, and fly fishing. Since smallmouth buffalo feed primarily on the bottom, flies must reach the substrate and be presented directly in their feeding lanes.

What do Smallmouth Buffalo eat?

Smallmouth Buffalo are primarily detritivores, using their downward-facing sucker mouth to feed on bottom vegetation and organic matter. Young fish under one year consume copepods, cladocerans, algae, duckweed, protozoans, rotifers, insect larvae, and insect e.g.gs.

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