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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) in Rhode Island are introduced freshwater catfish that were first collected in a tributary of the Blackstone River in the 1970s.

They inhabit streams and ponds primarily in the northern half of the state, preferring vegetated areas of ponds and slow-moving streams.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These nocturnal bottom-dwelling fish can grow up to 18 inches (457 mm) in length and are characterized by whitish-yellow chin barbels and a rounded caudal fin, distinguishing them from brown bullhead which have dark chin barbels.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit streams and ponds primarily in the northern half of the state, preferring vegetated areas of ponds and slow-moving streams.
  • Yellow bullhead are highly tolerant of poor water quality, low oxygen, and polluted conditions, making them hardy survivors in various freshwater habitats throughout Rhode Island's watersheds.

Key Locations

  • First collected in a tributary of the Blackstone River in the 1970s.
  • They inhabit streams and ponds primarily in the northern half of the state.
  • Target areas throughout Rhode Island's northern watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Fish the bottom in vegetated areas of ponds, slow backwater sections of streams, near structures like docks and bridges, around lily pads, rocky areas, and current edges.
  • Target areas with muck, sand, or clay substrates where they forage for food, and focus on coves, shallow areas with aquatic vegetation, and the deeper holes in small creeks and streams.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in Rhode Island?

The most productive baits include nightcrawlers and earthworms, chicken liver, cut bait, corn, marshmallows, white bread, crickets, and various stink baits. Small jigs can also work.

What flies work for Yellow Bullhead in Rhode Island?

Small flies can work, though weights are needed to get flies to the proper depth.

When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bullhead in Rhode Island?

Target them from late spring through fall, avoiding the April-July spawning period when they're protecting e.g.gs and fry.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Rhode Island?

Productive techniques include still fishing, drift fishing, bait casting, and even fly fishing with sinking lines. When a bullhead takes the bait, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook hard, as they're notorious for mouthing bait and dropping it quickly.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

They're omnivorous opportunistic feeders with an extensive diet including aquatic invertebrates, fish, plants, worms, minnows, crayfish, insects and their larvae, and even carrion. Yellow bullhead consume more aquatic vegetation compared to other bullhead species.

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