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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) are a non-native catfish species established in Utah waters, originally introduced from their native range in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

These hardy fish thrive in turbid, muddy conditions with soft substrates where many other species struggle.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from other bullheads by their dark-colored chin barbels and squared-off tail fin, typically reaching 6-14 inches in length.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Commonly found in warm, shallow waters throughout Utah.
  • Found in community fishing waters statewide where they provide consistent angling opportunities.
  • They're particularly abundant in Utah Lake where they compete with other species.

Key Locations

  • Utah Lake, community fishing ponds like Burraston Ponds and Highland Glen Park Pond, various reservoirs throughout the state, Utah Lake's Lindon Marina, Highland Glen and Grandpa's Pond.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas (1-3 feet deep) with soft substrates, focusing on muddy bottoms, areas with emergent vegetation like cattails and bulrush, and shoreline areas with structure.
  • At Utah Lake's Lindon Marina and other access points, fish rocky shoreline areas and weed line edges.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Most effective baits include nightcrawlers, small pieces of cut bait (white bass or carp work well at Utah Lake), chicken liver, bread balls, corn, and shrimp. Small jigs, spinners, and even spoons can work in areas with little fishing pressure.

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

Most effectively caught during late spring through early fall, with prime fishing from June through August when water temperatures reach 18-22°F. Avoid the May-July spawning period when fish are focused on reproduction rather than feeding.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Utah?

Use slip-sinker rigs, float rigs, or weightless bottom rigs, keeping bait on or near the bottom. At Utah Lake specifically, fresh white bass cut-bait suspended off the bottom using float rigs has proven highly effective. Fish 2-3 feet below bobbers in shallow areas, or use slip-float rigs in deeper water.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Opportunistic omnivores with an extremely varied diet including aquatic macroinvertebrates (primarily chironomid larvae), microcrustaceans, oligochaeta, caddisfly larvae, small fish, plant matter, and even terrestrial prey.

Where do Black Bullhead live in Utah?

Commonly found in warm, shallow waters throughout Utah. Found in community fishing waters statewide where they provide consistent angling opportunities. They're particularly abundant in Utah Lake where they compete with other species.

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