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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead are native freshwater catfish found statewide throughout South Carolina's warm water habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and impoundments.

These smaller members of the catfish family are hardy fish that tolerate poor water quality and low oxygen conditions better than most species.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically reach 6-10 inches and average around 1 pound, though the South Carolina state record stands at 6 pounds, 6.3 ounces.
  • Yellow bullheads are distinguished by their olive to yellow body coloration fading to white bellies, distinctly white to yellow chin barbels (whiskers), rounded caudal fin, and serrated pectoral spines.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide throughout South Carolina's warm water habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and impoundments.
  • In South Carolina, they're found in pools of creeks and rivers, natural lakes, farm ponds, and all sizes of impoundments throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • In the Columbia area, productive waters include Springwood Lake and Jackson Creek, while they're present in major reservoirs like Lake Marion and throughout the connected lake systems around Arcadia Lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Shallow, weedy backwaters with soft substrates of silt, sand, or accumulated leaves.
  • Look for them around submerged logs, undercut banks, weed beds, and areas with accumulated organic matter where they forage for food.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bullhead in South Carolina?

Live baits including nightcrawlers, crickets, grasshoppers, and minnows, as well as cut bait, chicken liver, and even prepared baits like bread or dough balls. Small jigs work effectively.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in South Carolina?

Still fishing and drift fishing are the most reliable techniques, with the rig cast out and allowed to sit on bottom near cover. Fly fishing can be productive using weighted flies to reach bottom depths where they feed.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

They're omnivorous bottom feeders that consume insects, mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, aquatic vegetation, and various organic matter, with feeding activity peaking during evening and nighttime hours.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in South Carolina?

Found statewide throughout South Carolina's warm water habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and impoundments. In South Carolina, they're found in pools of creeks and rivers, natural lakes, farm ponds, and all sizes of impoundments throughout the state.

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