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Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead

Black Bullhead are hardy catfish that are exceptionally tolerant of poor water quality, low oxygen, warm temperatures, and turbid conditions that would stress other species.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus melas

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish typically reach sexual maturity at 160mm and live up to 5 years, growing to 170mm in the first year.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Present in drainages east of the Continental Divide in Wyoming, including the North Platte, Wind-Big Horn, Powder, Tongue, and Belle Fourche river systems.
  • They inhabit lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving waters throughout their Wyoming range.

Key Locations

  • Sloan's Lake near Cheyenne and North Crow Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Black Bullheads prefer soft substrates like mud and silt in backwaters, oxbows, impoundments, ponds, and low-gradient stream pools.
  • Fish around soft-bottom areas with vegetation in lakes and reservoirs, focusing on backwaters, coves, and areas near dams or lake outlets.

Black Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include earthworms, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, cut bait, minnows, bread or dough balls, and even corn. Small jigs can also be productive. In Wyoming waters like Sloan's Lake, use worms or small spinners near shorelines.

What flies work for Black Bullhead in Wyoming?

At places like North Crow Reservoir, try dry flies during calm conditions if fly fishing.

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

In Wyoming, the best fishing occurs from spring through early fall, with spawning season (May-July) being a time to avoid targeting them. During hot summer months, fish early morning or late evening. Ice fishing can be productive in winter, though feeding activity is reduced.

How do you catch Black Bullhead in Wyoming?

Target Black Bullheads primarily at night when they're most active, though they can be caught during the day in murky waters or shaded areas near piers and docks.

What do Black Bullhead eat?

Their diet consists mainly of midge larvae and aquatic invertebrates, but they're opportunistic feeders consuming everything from ostracods and amphipods to small fish, fish e.g.gs, plant material, and detritus. Young Black Bullheads feed during midday in schooling patterns.

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