 BULLHEAD CATFISH
Scientific
Name: Ameiurus species
Other
Common Names: horned pout, creek cat, mudcat
Identification
In North
Carolina, there are five species of catfish listed as bullheads —the
brown (pictured above), yellow, black, flat and snail bullhead.
Although these catfish are difficult to
identify by species, they are easily separated from other catfish
by their lack of a forked tail. Color varies depending on species,
but all are characterized by a robust, squatty appearance. Fish
experts consider the white catfish a bullhead as well, although
anglers can
identify it by its white appearance and moderately forked tail.
Habitats and Habits
Bullhead catfish
are extremely abundant in many North Carolina streams, rivers,
ponds and lakes.
They tolerate
a wide variety of habitats, including very muddy water and even
low oxygen levels. Although their numbers can be extremely high
in
many
bodies of water, they usually don’t get the attention of
other catfish species because of their smaller size. However,
they make
excellent table fare and should not be overlooked, especially
for anyone that enjoys easy, relaxing fishing.
Fishing Techniques
Bullhead
catfish can be caught by many of the same methods used for other
catfish. Worms, minnows, scented baits
and hellgrammites fished on or near the bottom work well. Henry
David Thoreau probably put it the best when he said, “they
will take any kind of bait, from angleworms to a piece of tomato
can.”
Good Places to Fish
Practically
all of the lakes, rivers and streams in the Piedmont and Coastal
Plain contain bullhead catfish. The Yadkin
River from W. Kerr Scott Reservoir downstream to Idols Dam in Winston
Salem holds excellent numbers. Densities below Idols Dam on the
Yadkin River are low, probably because of the introduction of flathead
catfish.
Good bullhead fishing is often not found in rivers and lakes that
have flathead catfish since flatheads favor bullhead catfish as
food.
NCARP Minimum
Requirements: None yet established
State
Record: Brown bullhead, 3 lbs., 12 oz., from Buck Hall Creek in Duplin
County, April 26, 1997
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