Bullhead Catfish

Behavior

spawning

Spawns in late spring to early summer as water warms; catfish typically use sheltered nest sites in quiet water.

feeding style

A nocturnal, bottom-oriented feeder that roots through soft bottoms and quiet water for food.

seasonal notes

Most active in warm water and often easiest to catch during low-light periods and at night.

Habitat

water types

lakes, ponds, reservoir backwaters, sloughs, swamps

preferred holds

Look for stagnant or slow-water areas with muddy bottoms, weeds, and sheltered backwaters.

Where Found

Angler Tactics

tactics

Fish simple bait presentations near the bottom around weeds, mud flats, and quiet shoreline pockets, especially after sunset when bullheads begin roaming to feed.

effective methods

bait fishing, night fishing, bottom rigs, bobber rigs, still-fishing

Regulations

Conservation