Can you fish for bullhead? Yes, you can! Bullhead are a type of catfish, and they are a lot of fun to catch. They are found in many lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America. If you’re looking for an easy and rewarding fishing experience, bullhead are a great choice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about catching these bottom-dwelling fish.
Finding Bullhead: Where to Look
Knowing where to find bullhead is the first step to a successful fishing trip. These fish prefer calm, murky waters, often with soft, muddy bottoms. They aren’t picky about their environment, but certain spots tend to hold more bullhead than others.
Bullhead Fishing Spots
- Lakes and Ponds: Many freshwater lakes and ponds, especially those with a lot of vegetation or submerged debris, are prime bullhead territory. Look for areas near docks, fallen trees, or weed beds.
- Slow-Moving Rivers and Creeks: Bullhead also inhabit slower sections of rivers and creeks. Areas with deeper pools, undercut banks, or areas where tributaries enter can be excellent spots.
- Muddy Bottoms: Bullhead are bottom feeders, so they love soft, muddy bottoms where they can root around for food. These areas often provide good cover and a readily available food source.
- Areas with Cover: Fish generally feel safer when they have something to hide behind. Look for areas with fallen logs, submerged branches, reeds, or other structures that bullhead can use for shelter and ambush prey.
Best Time to Fish for Bullhead
While bullhead can be caught year-round, certain times offer better success rates. Timing is key to a good fishing trip.
When to Go
- Dawn and Dusk: Bullhead are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. This is when they tend to feed more aggressively.
- Night Fishing: Bullhead are also nocturnal feeders, meaning they are very active after dark. Night fishing can be incredibly productive, especially on warm summer nights.
- Warm Weather: Bullhead are warm-water fish. They are generally more active and easier to catch when the water temperature is warmer, typically from late spring through early fall.
- Overcast Days: Surprisingly, overcast or slightly rainy days can also be excellent times to fish for bullhead. The reduced sunlight seems to make them feel more secure about moving out into more open areas to feed.
Bullhead Fishing Gear: What You Need
You don’t need a lot of fancy gear to catch bullhead. Simple, effective equipment will do the job perfectly.
Essential Tackle
- Rods and Reels: A medium-light to medium-action spinning rod and reel combo is ideal. These are sensitive enough to feel the subtle bites of bullhead but strong enough to handle them. A length of 5 to 7 feet is versatile.
- Fishing Line: 6 to 10-pound test monofilament line is a good choice. It has some stretch, which helps prevent the hook from pulling out of the bullhead’s mouth, and it’s affordable.
- Hooks: Circle hooks in sizes 6 to 2, or baitholder hooks in similar sizes, work well. Circle hooks are great because they tend to hook the bullhead in the corner of its mouth, making for easier release if desired.
- Weights (Sinkers): A few split-shot sinkers or a small egg sinker (1/4 to 1 ounce) are usually sufficient. You want enough weight to get your bait to the bottom but not so much that it makes casting difficult or prevents the fish from moving the bait.
- Bobbers (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a small bobber can help detect bites, especially when fishing in murky water or at night.
Bullhead Rig Setup
Setting up your rig correctly is important for presenting your bait naturally to the bullhead.
Simple Bottom Rig
This is the most common and effective rig for bullhead fishing.
- Tie the line: Tie your fishing line to the hook.
- Add a sinker: Slide a sinker onto the line above the hook. The sinker should be about 6-12 inches above the hook. You can use a slip sinker with a swivel or simply tie a knot above the sinker to keep it in place.
- Bait the hook: Thread your chosen bait onto the hook.
This setup keeps your bait on the bottom, where bullhead are most likely to find it.
Bobber Rig
- Attach the bobber: Clip a small bobber onto your line about 2-4 feet above the hook. You can adjust this depth depending on how deep the water is and where you think the bullhead are feeding.
- Tie the hook: Tie your hook to the end of the line below the bobber.
- Add a sinker: Place a small split-shot sinker on the line just above the hook. This helps the bait sink and stay presented vertically.
- Bait the hook: Put your bait on the hook.
The bobber will float your bait slightly off the bottom, making it more visible. When a bullhead bites, the bobber will dip or go under the water.
Catfish Bait for Bullhead: What to Use
Bullhead are not fussy eaters, and a variety of baits will work. The key is to use something with a strong scent that appeals to their sense of smell.
Effective Baits
- Worms: Earthworms (red wigglers or nightcrawlers) are a classic and highly effective bullhead bait.
- Dough Balls: Many anglers have success with homemade dough balls. Common ingredients include flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, and a binder like water or egg. The scent is key.
- Cheese: Stinky cheese, like Limburger or strong cheddar, can be surprisingly effective. Cut small cubes and thread them onto the hook.
- Hot Dogs/Sausages: Small pieces of hot dogs or other processed meats can attract bullhead due to their strong smell and texture.
- Chicken Livers: Chicken livers are a potent attractant for many catfish species, including bullhead. They are soft, so you might need to secure them to the hook with some fishing line or a bait thread.
- Canned Corn/Peas: Sometimes, simple canned vegetables can work, especially if other baits are scarce or if you’re targeting smaller bullhead.
- Commercial Catfish Baits: There are many commercially made catfish baits available in dough, dip, or pellet form that are designed to attract bullhead and other catfish.
Tip: When using soft baits like chicken livers or dough balls, consider using a bait holder hook or securing the bait with a bit of bait elastic. This prevents it from washing off the hook too quickly.
Bullhead Fishing Techniques: How to Catch Them
Catching bullhead is generally straightforward. They are often found near the bottom, actively searching for food.
Simple and Effective Methods
- Casting and Waiting: This is the most common approach. Cast your baited hook and rig to your chosen spot. Let the bait settle on the bottom. Keep your line relatively taut so you can feel any tugs.
- Feeling the Bite: Bullhead bites can be subtle. You might feel a gentle tap, a series of nibbles, or your line might just start to move slowly. If using a bobber, watch for it to dip or go under.
- Setting the Hook: When you feel a bite, give the line a slight, firm tug to set the hook. Because bullhead are not usually in fast-moving water, you don’t need a powerful jerk.
- Reeling Them In: Reel in steadily. Bullhead aren’t typically strong fighters, but they can put up a decent fight on light tackle.
- Handling Bullhead: Bullhead have spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can be sharp. Be careful when handling them. Many anglers find it easiest to grip them firmly behind the head, avoiding the fins.
Using Dough Bait
If you’re using a dough bait, pack it around the hook securely. Cast gently to prevent the bait from flying off. Let it sit on the bottom. The scent will waft through the water, attracting bullhead.
Using Worms or Livers
Thread a whole nightcrawler or a piece of chicken liver onto the hook. Allow the bait to rest on the bottom. If you are in an area with a slight current, the bait will naturally move a little, which can attract fish.
Night Fishing for Bullhead
Night fishing is a fantastic way to catch bullhead. Use a headlamp or a powerful flashlight to see. A small glow stick attached to your line or bobber can help you detect bites in the dark. The same bait and rig setups work well.
Freshwater Bullhead Fishing: Key Considerations
Freshwater bullhead fishing is accessible and enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels.
What to Know
- Common Catch: Bullhead are abundant in many freshwater systems, making them a reliable target.
- Year-Round Availability: While more active in warmer months, you can often find and catch bullhead even in colder water, though their activity level will be lower.
- Edible: Bullhead are edible and can make a tasty meal if you plan to keep and cook them. Always check local fishing regulations for size and creel limits.
- Catch and Release: Many anglers enjoy catching bullhead on light tackle and practicing catch and release. Their hardy nature means they usually survive release well.
Catching Bullhead: A Rewarding Experience
Catching bullhead is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures of fishing. They are not the most glamorous fish, but their eagerness to bite and their presence in so many accessible locations make them a favorite for many.
Tips for Success
- Patience: Fishing requires patience. Even with the best spots and bait, sometimes it takes a little time for the fish to find your offering.
- Experiment with Bait: If one type of bait isn’t working, try another. The effectiveness of different baits can vary from place to place and even day to day.
- Fish Near the Bottom: Remember, bullhead are bottom feeders. Make sure your bait is presented close to the lakebed or riverbed.
- Keep Your Bait Fresh: If your bait starts to look dry or old, change it out.
- Observe the Water: Look for signs of activity like jumping fish or insects on the surface, which might indicate a good feeding spot.
- Be Quiet: Try to avoid making too much noise or commotion around your fishing spot, as this can scare fish away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullhead Fishing
Here are some common questions anglers have about catching bullhead:
Q1: What kind of catfish are bullhead?
A1: Bullhead are a type of freshwater catfish belonging to the Ictaluridae family. They are smaller and more robust than their channel catfish cousins.
Q2: Can I catch bullhead with any catfish bait?
A2: While bullhead are not extremely picky, using baits with strong scents like worms, cheese, or chicken livers is generally more effective than using milder baits.
Q3: How deep should I fish for bullhead?
A3: Bullhead prefer to stay near the bottom, so aim to have your bait within a foot or two of the lakebed or riverbed.
Q4: Do bullhead bite at night?
A4: Yes, bullhead are very active nocturnal feeders. Night fishing can be an excellent time to catch them, especially during warmer months.
Q5: What is the best time of year for bullhead fishing?
A5: The best time of year is generally from late spring through early fall, when the water temperatures are warmer. However, they can be caught in cooler weather too, though they may be less active.
Q6: What is a good bullhead rig setup?
A6: A simple bottom rig with a hook, sinker, and bait is most effective. A slip sinker rig or a sliding sinker rig allows the fish to take the bait without feeling resistance from the weight.
Q7: Are bullhead good to eat?
A7: Yes, bullhead are edible and can be quite tasty. They have a firm, white flesh. Always ensure you are following local fishing regulations if you plan to keep and eat them.
Q8: What are some common bullhead fishing spots?
A8: Look for them in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with muddy bottoms, submerged vegetation, or other types of cover.
Q9: What kind of rod and reel should I use for bullhead?
A9: A medium-light to medium-action spinning rod (5-7 feet) paired with a spinning reel spooled with 6-10 pound test line is ideal for freshwater bullhead fishing.
Q10: How do I hook a bullhead?
A10: When you feel a bite, give the line a firm tug to set the hook. Circle hooks are popular because they tend to hook the bullhead in the corner of the mouth, making it easier to release.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying successful and fun freshwater bullhead fishing trips. Happy angling!