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Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
8–12 inches
Typical Length
0.25–1 lb
Typical Weight
Year-round (no closed season)
Season Opens
19%
% of MN Lakes
Brown bullheads are a small catfish species common in warm, weedy Minnesota lakes. They're bottom feeders that are most active at night and are a traditional target for family fishing outings.
Habitat
Brown bullheads prefer warm, slow-moving water with soft, muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. They tolerate low oxygen levels and turbid conditions that would stress most other species.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Year-round (no closed season)
Night fishing from shore with worms on the bottom is the classic bullhead approach. They congregate in shallow, muddy bays on warm summer evenings.
Did You Know?
- Bullheads have venomous spines in their pectoral and dorsal fins — the sting is painful but not dangerous.
- They can survive in water with very low oxygen levels, even briefly surviving out of water by absorbing oxygen through their skin.
Lakes with Brown Bullhead near you
664 Minnesota lakes have Brown Bullhead on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a rough species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented brown bullhead in 664 Minnesota lakes.