Brown Bullhead Native
🔬 Ameiurus nebulosus
The most common bullhead catfish in Michigan. Mottled brown coloration with dark chin barbels (the yellow bullhead has light-colored chin barbels). Strictly nocturnal bottom feeder. Extremely hardy -- one of Michigan's most pollution-tolerant fish, often the last species remaining in degraded water. Fun night-fishing target on light tackle.
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Bite this month
Fair
Best season
Summer
Regulations
limit 10
Where to Catch Brown Bullhead in Michigan
Brown Bullhead Conservation Status
Native Brown Bullhead is native to Michigan waters. Abundant statewide. No conservation concerns. One of Michigan's most widely distributed fish species. The daily bag limit is 10.
Brown Bullhead Habitat & Behavior
Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams statewide. Thrives in warm, shallow, weedy water with muddy or silty bottom. Common in farm ponds, park lakes, and slow river backwaters throughout Michigan. DNR records show Brown Bullhead present in 214 Michigan water bodies. Bite activity rates Good or better in Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep.
Best Brown Bullhead Techniques
Bottom fishing at night with nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, or cut bait on a simple sinker rig. No need for fancy gear -- a cane pole and worm works fine.
Best Brown Bullhead Baits
Night crawlers, chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, stink bait
Brown Bullhead Fishing Regulations in Michigan
10
Daily limit
20
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Most active at night. Bottom-feeding species found in warm, weedy lakes and slow rivers.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Michigan DNR Brown Bullhead Stocking Records
Brown Bullhead Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30, 1988 | Lake Delta (Erickson Pond) | 50 | 9.1" | |
| Jun 19, 1987 | Sharp Park Pond | 110 | 11" |
Showing the 2 most recent stocking events for Brown Bullhead, across 2 lakes. Lakes with several events can be expanded.
Brown Bullhead DNR Stocking History
Total stocked: 160
Stocking events: 2
Peak year: 1987 (110)
2
Historical stocking events
2
Lakes stocked
Jun
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Jun
Top Stocked Lakes
Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
Best Times to Fish Brown Bullhead
Angler Tips for Brown Bullhead
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