Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Least Concern (LC) Federally Protected

Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Ictaluridae
Genus: Ameiurus
Species: A. natalis

In Nevada

Sport Fish

Yellow Bullhead are not native to Nevada but were introduced and are now established in several waters, primarily in the southern part of the state. They are found in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and various ponds and reservoirs in the Las Vegas Valley. The species is recognized as a sport fish by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, with no bag or possession limits. They provide year-round fishing opportunities in warm-water habitats where they have adapted well to Nevada's desert reservoir conditions.

Body Type & Identification: Olive to yellow-brown body with pale yellow-white chin barbels — the white or pale chin barbels are the key identification feature separating it from Brown and Black Bullhead. A rounded tail. Slightly more slender than Brown Bullhead. A feisty, overlooked panfish-sized catfish.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–80°F. Active at night — a classic nocturnal feeder. Spawn in spring and early summer in nests excavated under debris, logs, or rocks. Both parents guard and fan the eggs.

Habitat: Clear to moderately turbid ponds, streams, and rivers with aquatic vegetation. Prefers cleaner water than Black Bullhead — often found in vegetated stream pools, pond edges, and slow river backwaters. Common throughout the eastern US and widely introduced.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top natural bait. Fresh chicken liver works very well. Crayfish tails produce excellent results. Small pieces of cut fish are effective. Stink baits work in warm months. Light tackle with a simple bottom rig near vegetation or woody debris at night.

Top 5 Destinations: Lake Okeechobee FL, Santee Cooper SC, Tennessee River system, Numerous farm ponds across the Southeast, Wabash River IN.