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Fish Species - Details

BROWN BULLHEAD (Ictalurus nebulosus) Other Common Names Bullhead, common bullhead, speckled bullhead, horned pout, bullhead catfish Identifying Characteristics The body is chocolate brown to almost black on top and sides. Vague, dark mottling on back and sides, grading to cream yellow on the belly. There are strong, sharp spines on the back edge of the pectoral fins. Has a square to slightly rounded caudel fin. The head is flat and has soft barbels on the bottom and sides. Excellent table fare. Habits and Habitat Prefers weedy areas of lakes and deep, sluggish streams. Found over both muddy and gravelly bottoms. A bottom feeder with a diverse diet, including insect larvae, mollusks, and algae. Feeds primarily at night. Tackle and Techniques Use light to ultra-light tackle and 4- to 6-pound-test line. Can be caught in great numbers very early in the spring along the shores of lakes. Fish on the bottom with slip sinker using worms, crabs, minnows, or dough balls. Handle with care - the spines are sharp. Current State Record 6 pounds, 9 ounces; caught by Bobby Tripplet on Sugarloaf Pond on April 26, 1998.