Black Bullhead fishing
Ameiurus melas. Chin barbels are solid black on all sides, not the mottled yellow-brown of brown bullhead or the pale white of yellow bullhead.
Black Bullhead fishing uses a bottom slip-sinker rig or worms or nightcrawlers on 4 to 8 lb line, at dusk and at night. Black bullhead does not appear in this site's own state stocking records.
Published by Fishypedia · Sources last checked September 23, 2026
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
- Active times
- Dusk and Night
- Line
- 4–8 lb
- Hook sizes
- Size 6 or 8 hooks, matching what Washington's and Oregon's state agencies recommend for bottom rigs.
- Stocked in
- 1 state
Identification
- Chin barbels are solid black on all sides, not the mottled yellow-brown of brown bullhead or the pale white of yellow bullhead.
- Square tail fin with only a small central notch and a light vertical bar at its base, not deeply forked like channel or blue catfish.
- Pectoral spines lack the strong saw-like teeth found on brown bullhead's spines.
- Olive to black back and sides fading to a yellow or white belly, with four pairs of barbels around the mouth.
- Usually under 2 lbs and 18 inches, with an average weight closer to a half pound to a pound.
Sources: gf.nd.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026 , dnr.illinois.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , myodfw.com, accessed September 23, 2026
Top lures
An alternative to a bottom rig in shallow bays.
Sources: dnr.state.mn.us, accessed September 23, 2026 , myodfw.com, accessed September 23, 2026
Top baits
Fished on a small hook on the bottom.
Sources: myodfw.com, accessed September 23, 2026 , michigan.gov, accessed September 23, 2026
Line & tackle
- Line
- 4–8 lb
- Rod power
- Hook sizes
- Size 6 or 8 hooks, matching what Washington's and Oregon's state agencies recommend for bottom rigs.
Sources: wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , myodfw.com, accessed September 23, 2026 , gameandfishmag.com, accessed September 23, 2026
Depth by season
Spring
Moves into shallow, mud-bottomed bays and backwaters to spawn in May or June, the best fishing window of the year.
Summer
Holds in shallow, silty water with heavy cover through summer, matching its year-round mud-bottomed pond and backwater habitat.
Fall
Fishing can pick back up in early fall before cooling water slows the bite again, per Washington's state agency.
Sources: dnr.illinois.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , myodfw.com, accessed September 23, 2026 , michigan.gov, accessed September 23, 2026
Stocked behavior
Black bullhead does not appear in this site's own state stocking records. It also isn't a species state agencies actively stock into public water: Missouri's and Virginia's pond-management guidance both list bullhead catfish among species not recommended for stocking, since they tend to overpopulate and stunt.
Sources: mdc.mo.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , dwr.virginia.gov, accessed September 23, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026
Common mistakes
- Casting artificial lures instead of bait; bullheads and catfish forage by smell and taste.
- Ignoring winter; a black bullhead's appetite decreases in winter and may stop altogether.
- Using a short-shanked hook; bullhead swallow bait deep, and a long-shanked hook is far easier to remove safely.
Where it's stocked
1 location shown. Tap a pin for details. · Open this area in Google Maps
Texas
State records
| State | Weight | Angler | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 3.44 lbs | – | Magician Lake, Cass County | 1999 |
| Washington | 1.81 lbs | Cleon Conrad | Lake Cassidy, Snohomish County | 2020 |
| Wisconsin | 5 lbs. 8 oz. | – | Big Falls Flowage, Rusk County | 1989 |
Common questions
What lures work for Black Bullhead?
Bottom slip-sinker rig (bait, not a true lure). Bobber-and-bait rig, shallow water: An alternative to a bottom rig in shallow bays. Lantern-lit night rig.
What bait works for Black Bullhead?
Worms or nightcrawlers: Fished on a small hook on the bottom. Chicken livers. Cut bait or dead minnows.
Where do Black Bullhead hold?
Spring: Moves into shallow, mud-bottomed bays and backwaters to spawn in May or June, the best fishing window of the year. Summer: Holds in shallow, silty water with heavy cover through summer, matching its year-round mud-bottomed pond and backwater habitat. Fall: Fishing can pick back up in early fall before cooling water slows the bite again, per Washington's state agency. Winter: Appetite drops sharply and may stop entirely in cold water; Michigan's and Washington's state agencies both describe winter fishing as difficult.
How big do Black Bullhead get?
The Michigan record is 3.44 lbs from Magician Lake, Cass County in 1999. The Washington record is 1.81 lbs from Lake Cassidy, Snohomish County in 2020. The Wisconsin record is 5 lbs. 8 oz. from Big Falls Flowage, Rusk County in 1989.