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Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo are native North American fish found throughout Tennessee's major river systems, particularly the Tennessee River drainage where they were documented at 34 stations from 1991-1993.

They're abundant along riverbanks and in open waters of reservoirs including Wheeler Reservoir. Despite their name similarity to Smallmouth Bass, these are actually members of the sucker family (Catostomidae).

Scientific Name: Ictiobus bubalus

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Tennessee waters, they typically reach 24-35 inches and can weigh up to 60+ pounds (Tennessee state record is 62 lbs 7 oz from Percy Priest Reservoir).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Tennessee's major river systems, particularly the Tennessee River drainage.
  • They prefer deeper waters than Bigmouth Buffalo and are found over fine substrates in large rivers, reservoirs, and occasionally lakes with dense aquatic vegetation and silty bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee River reservoirs like Wheeler, Percy Priest, and other large impoundments, as well as the main Tennessee River channels.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper riverine areas with fine substrates, particularly along riverbanks and open reservoir waters.
  • Target areas near tributary mouths and creek channels where food concentrates.

Smallmouth Buffalo FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Dough balls, corn, nightcrawlers, and cut bait as primary options. Small marabou jigs (1/100 oz).

What flies work for Smallmouth Buffalo in Tennessee?

Use carp-style patterns including backstabbers, carp crack, carp tease, and carp dusters in colors matching water clarity - bright colors like pink, chartreuse, and orange in stained water, or olive and brown tones in clear conditions. Glo bug patterns work when fish are feeding mid-column.

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

Target from late spring through fall, avoiding the March-May spawning period when water temperatures are 59-62°F.

How do you catch Smallmouth Buffalo in Tennessee?

Use bottom-fishing techniques. For fly fishing, present flies quietly in the fish's feeding lane and use minimal movement - just enough for detection. These fish rarely take aggressive presentations, so slow, subtle approaches are essential for success.

What do Smallmouth Buffalo eat?

Their diet consists primarily of bivalve mollusks (especially Corbicula clams), copepods, aquatic diptera larvae, zooplankton, insect larvae, mollusk larvae, small crustaceans, algae, and organic bottom matter - making them opportunistic bottom feeders.

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