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Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullhead are the most common member of the catfish family in Vermont.

These hardy fish thrive in diverse habitats including shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with muddy conditions and low oxygen levels - environments where other fish struggle to survive.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Also known as horned pout, bullpout, mud pout, hornpout

Physical Characteristics:
  • These hardy fish have smooth, olive-brown to dark-brown flanks with sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins, and a broad, flat mouth surrounded by six dark, whisker-like barbels that distinguish them from yellow bullhead.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Vermont in diverse habitats including shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with muddy conditions and low oxygen levels.

Key Locations

  • Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Carmi, Lake Hortonia, Poultney River, Cogman Creek, Connecticut River, Curtis Pond, Shelburne Bay, Lower Winooski River, and numerous smaller ponds.
  • Prime locations include Lakes Champlain, Memphremagog, Carmi, Hortonia, plus rivers like the Poultney, Connecticut, and Lower Winooski.

Specific Spots

  • Fish in shallow areas with soft, muddy bottoms and vegetation.
  • Look for slow-moving water sections in rivers and shallow bays of larger lakes.

Brown Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brown Bullhead in Vermont?

The most productive baits are large nightcrawlers (especially pungent ones from compost piles), chopped chicken livers, dough balls, bread balls, minnows, cut bait, and corn.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Bullhead in Vermont?

Spring through fall offers excellent fishing, with spring being particularly productive as fish move shallow for spawning activities. Fish in the pre-spawn period when bullhead move into shallower water and tributaries.

How do you catch Brown Bullhead in Vermont?

Still-fishing with rod propped on a stick, slow bottom presentations with jigs and weighted baits. Use a clothespin on your line to detect subtle bites, as bullhead often take bait gently.

What do Brown Bullhead eat?

These nocturnal bottom feeders are omnivorous, eating worms, leeches, vegetation, snails, smaller fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, and even corn. They use their barbels to locate food since they have poor eyesight.

Where do Brown Bullhead live in Vermont?

Found throughout Vermont in diverse habitats including shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with muddy conditions and low oxygen levels.

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