Skip to main content

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead are not native to Wyoming waters but have been introduced as transplants outside their natural range, which extends from the Atlantic and Gulf slopes to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

In Wyoming, they are considered a non-native species that has established populations in some waters.

These medium-sized catfish are remarkably hardy fish that can tolerate poor water quality, low oxygen levels, and polluted conditions better than most other catfish species.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These medium-sized catfish are easily distinguished from other bullheads by their distinctive white or yellow chin barbels (whiskers), compared to the dark barbels of brown and black bullheads.
  • They typically reach 6-14 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, though specimens up to 4 pounds are possible.
  • They possess venomous pectoral spines that can deliver a painful sting lasting up to a week.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer shallow, weedy waters with muddy bottoms in slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes, often seeking cover near submerged logs, rocks, and vegetation.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with thick vegetation, submerged structures, shallow bays, and muddy or rocky bottoms in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.

Yellow Bullhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective natural baits include earthworms, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, cut bait, crickets, crayfish, and stink baits. Small jigs work well.

What flies work for Yellow Bullhead in Wyoming?

Small flies work well, particularly when fishing near the bottom where these fish spend most of their time.

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

Spring through fall provides the best fishing, with peak activity during warmer months when water temperatures are optimal. Ice fishing can be effective in winter where legal.

How do you catch Yellow Bullhead in Wyoming?

For lure fishing, small jigs and flies work well, particularly when fishing near the bottom where these fish spend most of their time. Early morning and late evening hours are most productive during summer.

What do Yellow Bullhead eat?

As opportunistic nocturnal feeders, they consume a diverse diet including minnows, crayfish, insects, aquatic invertebrates, worms, and notably more aquatic vegetation than other bullhead species.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Yellow Bullhead.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Yellow Bullhead water

    Pick Yellow Bullhead and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Yellow Bullhead

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Yellow Bullhead are.

Open the map, filter by Yellow Bullhead, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Wyoming licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.