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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead are small to medium-sized catfish that are widely distributed throughout Tennessee's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. These hardy fish are exceptionally tolerant of poor water quality and low oxygen conditions.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Small to medium-sized catfish ranging 6-14 inches and typically 1-2 pounds, though Tennessee's state record is 4 pounds 8 ounces caught from Chickamauga Reservoir in 1979.
  • Distinguished from other bullheads by their white or yellow chin barbels, straight-edged anal fin with 24-27 rays, and rounded tail fin.
  • Coloration varies from yellow-olive to slate-black above with lighter yellow sides and white to bright yellow bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Widely distributed throughout Tennessee's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
  • Thrive in slow-moving backwaters, shallow weedy areas, and muddy bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Chickamauga Reservoir, Kentucky Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Greenbrier Lake, and Lake Lajoice.
  • Numerous smaller impoundments throughout Tennessee.

Specific Spots

  • Shallow waters 2-30 feet deep with muddy bottoms, dense vegetation, brush piles, and fallen timber.
  • Focus on backwater areas, coves, and creek mouths with slow current.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Nightcrawlers, shrimp, corn, dough balls, chicken liver, cut bait, and even beef jerky.

What flies work for Yellow Bullhead in Tennessee?

GameChanger patterns or microjigs (1/80-1/64 oz on #8 hooks) suspended under strike indicators.

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

Most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall. Become less catchable in cold water. During spawning season (April through June), avoid targeting them to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Tennessee?

Still fishing and drift fishing are productive techniques. For fly fishing, cast parallel to shorelines and retrieve very slowly with long pauses. Bait fishing works well. They bite readily during daylight but are more active after dark.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

Opportunistic omnivores feeding primarily at night on aquatic invertebrates, insects, crayfish, small fish, worms, and aquatic vegetation. They consume more plant matter than other bullhead species.

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