brown-bullhead
Species Facts

Science Name: Ameiurus nebulosus
Other Names: creek cat, mud cat, horned pout, red cat, speckled cat
Ideal Temp: 74 to 85
World Record: 6 lbs 1 ounce NY
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: Light tackle
Description

Bullheads are often difficult to identify. All 3 catfishes are scaleless and have similar body color, varying from yellow-olive-brown to brownish-black; all have yellow to white bodies. Fair fighters, they are easy to catch with baits such as worms, minnows, shrimp, chicken innards and stinkbait. They bite throughout the day, but fishing is best at night. Browns are the largest of the bullheads and occasionally reach a weight of 3 pounds, although they average closer to 1 pound or less. The maximum age is about 12 years.

Habitat Browns generally inhabit still or slowly-flowing warm waters in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, large rivers and sluggish streams. They prefer water temperatures of 78 to 82 degrees, but can survive in warmer waters. They inhabit areas with mud or deep muck as well as sand or gravel bottoms.

Subspecies Two are recognized: the northern brown bullhead and the southern brown bullhead.

Hybrids Known to hybridize with black bullhead.

Feeding Habits Insect larvae, small crayfish, snails, and dead fish. Bullheads feed primarily by taste and smell and are most active at night.

Table Quality Browns are a generally good food fish only slightly inferior to the white and channel catfish if caught from clean waters.

Spawning Habits Spawn in late spring or early summer, at water temperatures from 70 to 75F. Both parents construct the nest on a mud or sand bottom, often among plant roots or other cover that offers shade. After spawning, on or both parents guard the nest. They continue to protect the young for several weeks after hatching.

Age and Growth The maximum age is about 12 years. Brown bullheads in the South grown considerably faster than those in the North.

Tips for Fishing

Fair fighters, brown bullheads are easy to catch on baits such as worms, minnows, shrimp, chicken innards and stinkbait. They bite throughout the day, but fishing is best at night.