Identification
Brown Bullheads have dark-pigmented chin barbels, mottled sides and a nearly square tail. Yellow Bullheads usually have pale chin barbels. A small catfish should be identified by these features rather than brown coloration alone.
Size and Weight
The reported maximum total length is 55 cm, about 21.7 inches. Florida’s listed state-record weight is 7.02 pounds, approximately 3.18 kg, exceeding the 2.7 kg figure in an older species summary. The Florida catch is a documented record, not a claim about the biological maximum everywhere. The length and weight are separate reports.
Bait and Fishing Methods
Worms, minnows and shrimp are documented bait choices. Fishing along the bottom at night fits the species’ usual feeding activity, though fish also bite during daylight. Check the rules for the water before selecting natural bait.
Habitat and Natural Food
Still or sluggish waters with soft bottoms are characteristic settings. Foods include insects, crayfish, snails, worms, small fish and plant material. Young fish rely heavily on smaller aquatic invertebrates.
A Food Finder After Dark
The barbels surrounding the mouth help the fish detect food. That sensory equipment suits a bottom feeder active at night, when vision alone would reveal less about what is available.
All Lakes With Brown Bullhead
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Brown Bullhead records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 14,225 lakes · Page 1 of 593
- 4-B Farms Reservoir Marion, OR
- A Reservoir Baker, OR
- A1 Site Worcester, MA
- Aalvic Wahtum Skamania, WA
- Aamodt Dairy Reservoir Clackamas, OR
- Aarhus Reservoir Marion, OR
- Aaron Mercer Reservoir Polk, OR
- Aaron River Reservoir Norfolk, MA
- Aarons Lake Columbia, OR
- Abbot Lake Kalkaska, MI
- Abbot Lake Clatsop, OR
- Abbott Pond Northeastern Connecticut, CT
- Aberdeen Reservoir Grays Harbor, WA
- Abernethy Lake Lane, OR
- Abiel Lake King, WA
- Abiqua Lake Marion, OR
- Abrams Pond Hancock, ME
- Accord Pond Plymouth, MA
- Achman Lake Stearns, MN
- Acker Lake Skamania, WA
- Ackerley Lake Lane, OR
- Ackerman Lakes Itasca, MN
- Ackley Pond Bradford, PA
- Acme Pond Northeastern Connecticut, CT