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Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) are native freshwater catfish found throughout Texas, extending their range further west than brown bullheads.

These hardy fish tolerate pollution, low oxygen, and high temperatures better than most species, making them widely distributed across the state.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Yellow Bullhead are easily distinguished from other bullhead species by their distinctive white or yellowish chin barbels and rounded tail fins.
  • They typically grow 6-25 inches long, weighing 1-6 pounds, with the largest specimens reaching over 6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Texas, they inhabit slow-moving waters including lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and backwaters with muddy bottoms and heavy vegetation.

Key Locations

  • In Texas lakes like Texoma, Livingston, Tawakoni, and Conroe, plus reservoirs like Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow, weedy areas with muddy bottoms, particularly around vegetation beds, current edges, drop-offs, rocky areas, docks, and structures.
  • Focus on gradual shores, inside coves, lily pads, and sunken objects.
  • Focus on areas with thick vegetation where they shelter during daylight hours.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Top baits include nightcrawlers, earthworms, chicken liver, cut bait, minnows, shrimp, corn, dough balls, and bread.

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

Yellow Bullhead fishing is most productive from spring through fall, with prime time occurring after water temperatures reach 60°F.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Texas?

Effective techniques include bait casting, drift fishing, spin casting, still fishing, and fly fishing with weighted flies.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

These nocturnal bottom-dwellers are opportunistic omnivores with an incredibly diverse diet including minnows, crayfish, insects and insect larvae, aquatic invertebrates, worms, mollusks, aquatic vegetation, and detritus. Compared to other bullheads, Yellow Bullhead consume significantly more aquatic vegetation.

Where do Yellow Bullhead live in Texas?

In Texas, they inhabit slow-moving waters including lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and backwaters with muddy bottoms and heavy vegetation.

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