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Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo

The Bigmouth Buffalo is a native South Dakota fish and the largest member of the sucker family, capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds.

Unlike other suckers, it has a forward-facing terminal mouth and is primarily a filter-feeder that strains plankton from the water using fine gill rakers.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus cyprinellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Largest member of the sucker family, capable of reaching over 4 feet in length and 80 pounds.
  • Has a forward-facing terminal mouth unlike other suckers.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the Missouri River system in South Dakota.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River system including Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Main channels, pools, backwaters, and shallow areas less than 16 feet deep, shallow bays, backwater areas, and current breaks with slack water, shallow vegetated areas and flooded marshes.

Bigmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bigmouth Buffalo in South Dakota?

Small scented baits rather than live bait - bread or dough balls, baits that mimic small crustaceans, small panfish jigs and grubs presented within a dinner-plate sized area near feeding fish.

What flies work for Bigmouth Buffalo in South Dakota?

Woolly buggers, San Juan worms, and saltwater flats flies made for bonefish. Present flies right at their nose level since they feed with a small radius.

When is the best time to fish for Bigmouth Buffalo in South Dakota?

Avoid fishing during spawning periods (April-June) to protect this vulnerable species.

How do you catch Bigmouth Buffalo in South Dakota?

Bait fishing with small scented baits positioned near the bottom, sight fishing, drift fishing and still fishing techniques work better than active retrieval methods, bowfishing (though not recommended given conservation concerns).

What do Bigmouth Buffalo eat?

Diet consists primarily of zooplankton (90% small crustaceans like copepods and cladocerans), supplemented by algae, chironomids, and other invertebrates. Primarily a filter-feeder that strains plankton from the water using fine gill rakers.

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