Skip to main content

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead are small, stocky catfish found throughout Tennessee waters, ranking as the state's third-largest bullhead species.

They're remarkably tolerant of poor water quality, low oxygen levels, and high temperatures, allowing them to inhabit waters unsuitable for many other species.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Small, stocky catfish distinguished by their completely pigmented barbels (whiskers), rounded or slightly notched tails, and dark coloration ranging from olive to black on top with lighter bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Thrive in warm, slow-moving waters with soft bottoms, particularly in ponds, small lakes, river backwaters, and muddy areas with dense vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Current state record of 3 pounds, 6 ounces caught at Emberton's Pond in Cannon County.
  • Tennessee's diverse aquatic ecosystem of 29 major reservoirs and 19,000 miles of streams.

Specific Spots

  • Fish shallow areas near rocky shorelines, muddy flats, areas with aquatic vegetation, and around structure like fallen trees or docks.
  • In Tennessee's reservoirs and ponds, concentrate on coves, inlets, and areas with soft bottoms.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Bullhead in Tennessee?

Earthworms are highly effective - try soaking worms in pickled beet juice for added color and scent attraction. Other productive baits include minnows (live or dead), leeches, crickets, chicken liver, corn, cheese, hot dogs, and bread balls.

What flies work for Black Bullhead in Tennessee?

Small microjigs (1/80 to 1/64 ounce) suspended under strike indicators. Dark-colored patterns work well, with size and color being less important than proper presentation near the bottom.

When is the best time to fish for Black Bullhead in Tennessee?

Late summer through fall and early spring, avoiding the May-July spawning period.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Tennessee?

Still fishing with a slip sinker rig or using a small bobber to suspend bait just off the bottom. For fly fishing, retrieve very slowly with long pauses.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates, especially chironomidae (midge larvae), along with crayfish, small fish, fish e.g.gs, aquatic insects, and plant material.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Black Bullhead.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Black Bullhead water

    Pick Black Bullhead and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Black Bullhead

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Black Bullhead are.

Open the map, filter by Black Bullhead, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Tennessee licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.