Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Species Overview

Physical Characteristics

Bullheads are compact, muscular catfish with smooth, scaleless bodies covered in protective mucus. Their distinctive flat head houses 8 sensitive barbels that function as both taste and smell organs, helping them locate food in murky water. The body tapers from a broad head to a rounded tail fin – never forked like channel catfish.

Coloration varies by species from yellow-green to dark brown, often with mottled patterns. Sharp, venomous spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins lock into place when threatened, making them difficult for predators to swallow.

Fishing Information

Size Range

7-13 inches

Best Lakes

Southern Chain

Peak Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Best Baits

worms, jigs, spinners, minnows

Fishing Guide

Best Fishing Times:

Dawn, Morning, Midday, Afternoon, Dusk, Night
Peak Fishing Seasons:

Spring, Summer, Fall
Recommended Lures:

worms, jigs, spinners, minnows
Abundance in Chain:

Rare
Fighting Quality:

Excellent Fighter

Habitat & Behavior

Shallow, vegetated areas with muddy bottoms in warm, calm waters. Bullheads thrive in all 15 lakes of the Fox Chain, particularly in protected areas around weed beds, boat docks, fallen timber, and channels with minimal current.

Spawning Season & Behavior

Females use fins and snout to create nest depression in bottom
Eggs deposited in nest cavity or protected area
Both parents guard eggs and young
Male provides primary parental care
Young fish swim in tight, ball-shaped school
Adults protect young until they reach ~1 inch length
Fascinating to observe schools of young bullheads in shallow water (early summer)

Conservation Status

Stable populations; no conservation concerns in Illinois or Fox Chain O’Lakes. Brown Bullhead listed as Species of Conservation Concern in Missouri due to habitat loss, but thriving in Illinois waters.

Fishing Techniques

Bottom Fishing Setup

Float Rig Method

Current Regulations

Daily Limit:

No Limit
Minimum Length:

No Limit
Special Rules:
No special regulations for bullheads on Fox Chain O’Lakes beyond:
- Valid Illinois fishing license required
- Fox Waterway Agency boat sticker required for watercraft
- Trotline fishing permitted
- Standard Illinois fishing methods apply
- No special harvest restrictions