Bullhead Catfish All Bullhead Catfish Are Created Equal, or So You Think… If you’re not an avid catfish angler, it’s easy to lump all of these fish together. They possess a stout body shape, round tail, and a reputation as some of the hardiest fish alive when it comes to living in deathly water for other species. Heck, even an experienced angler will see them as similar-looking bottom feeders and go about their day casting nightcrawlers at them with equal opportunity.
This misconception can be dangerous for two reasons. You could be wasting valuable fishing time pursuing a fish that doesn’t live in your waters. Also, the different species taste differently, have different textures, and require slightly different cooking methods.
Most folks do not know that bullhead catfish come in varieties. They are not just varieties of varieties but full-on species. For convenience, we group them all together as an angler.
But knowing their distinctions will make your fishing much more targeted. And if you are going to cook it, well you better know what you are cooking. This is especially true if you are cooking for a bunch of people or if you’re fishing a local tournament and the species has to be verified.
Three Common Bullhead Catfish Species Compared
Understanding Bullhead Catfish Varieties
It is a black bullhead. Found in all types of water (lakes, rivers, slow moving, ponds) throughout most of the United States, this is the workhorse of the family. Black bullheads are dark colored overall, ranging from an olive green to charcoal.
Identifying Black Bullhead Catfish
Their bodies is plain; no markings or spots at all. Black bullheads is a tough fish. They can handles warmer temperatures than most catfish.
They also withstand lower oxygen levels that stress out other catfish. Because of these characteristics they make good candidates for stocking programs and are relatively easy targets for beginning angler. During the summer months, black bullheads can be found hanging out in shallow areas near weeds.
They eat crustaceans, small fish and insects. The meat is white and flaky like other catfish, but because they prefer living in muddy waters, they tend to have a stronger flavor. Use strong seasonings or fry them to cover up the earthiness.
It is a Yellow Bullhead. Yellow bullheads inhabit a somewhat different niche. They’re typically more slender bodied, generally lighter in color (gray to yellowish-brown) and prefer relatively clear water.
Identifying Yellow Bullhead Catfish
Yellow bullheads are also commonly found in rivers/streams with moderate current. Unlike the black bullhead, they are not as tolerant of pollution. Because it’s milder in flavor, many cooks prize the yellow bullhead.
Their flesh is delicate. It is also less prone to that muddy aftertaste some folks experience when eating catfish reared in stagnant water. When you fish rock bottomed creeks, this is probably what you’re going after.
It bites well on a variety of small live baits, including worms and minnows. The meat is tender enough to be enjoyed simply with butter and lemon, but firm enough to stand up in batter. Your success rate will greatly grow if you choose the proper water structure.
Finally there’s the northern cousin of all these, the brown bullhead. You’ll see them mostly in the northern United States and Canada, most frequently living in the clearer and colder rivers and lakes. What makes this species unique is that it tends to be more prone to infection by a parasite known as blackspot disease which shows up as dark spots on the fish’s body.
Identifying Brown Bullhead Catfish
They’re not harmful at all to us but are an easy way to tell if you have a brown bullhead. Unlike the others, the brown bullhead will typically be stronger in build and larger in size. It’s also a very aggressive eater and will provide a good fight for its weight.
As far as meat goes, it’s really tasty, perhaps even better then the yellow bullhead when it comes to being mild. Because it’s a coldwater fish, you want to time your outing based off the season. They are actively feeding in early spring and again from late summer into early fall.
They are also active before or after big changes in water temperatures. How do you know which one it is on the bank? You don’t, unless you have a guide for ID.
Field Identification Tips
Examine the body markings and the tail. The brown bullhead will have that unique black spot pattern when infected. The yellow bullhead has a light side with a sometimes-patterned coloring.
The black bullhead is all dark, no spots, and the body color is more uniform. Also examine the pectoral spines. Those are typically rougher on the first two than they are on the brown bullhead, which are usually smooth.
All this helps you identify your fish correctly. In fact, the species can hybridize in certain places, resulting in intermediates, so misidentifications are not uncommon. That’s where habitat comes into play: warm muddy ponds = black bullheads; clear running waters = yellow bullheads; cold northern lakes = brown bullheads.
Different species also require small changes to the cooking method. For example, the black bullhead can handles more aggressive seasonings and marinades (think: heavy fry, cajun spices) because its strong flavor will hold up against bolder sauce ingredients. On the other hand, the yellow and brown bullhead do best when treated lightly (think: grill, bake, light tempura batter), as they’ll let their sweet nature shine through.
Cooking Methods by Species
Just remember: all three of these fish dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the heat. Catfish flesh is quick-cooking, usually under five minutes per side. You want tender, flakey white flesh wrapped in a crispy golden crust.
Now that you know what type of bullhead you have on your stringer, you aren’t just catching any bullhead; you are looking at a specific meal. It is a way to connect the meal at the end with the fishing. You know the fish you are catching and the water you are in.
Next time you pick up a round tailed catfish, stop for a minute and really look at it. What does its habitat say? How about the color?
You can even look at the number and pattern of spots. Those things help you catch more fish and cook them better.
