Yellow Bullhead Native
🔬 Ameiurus natalis
Similar to brown bullhead but distinguished by pale yellow-white chin barbels, a yellow belly, and preference for cleaner water. Slightly smaller on average. Good table fish when caught from clean lakes.
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Bite this month
Good
Best season
Summer
Regulations
limit 10
Where to Catch Yellow Bullhead in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Ada Township Park Pond | ||
|
Baseline Lake
377 acres
|
Livingston | |
|
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
|
Oakland | |
|
Coldwater Lake
1,561 acres
|
Branch | |
|
Gull Lake
2,030 acres
|
Kalamazoo | |
|
Gun Lake
2,680 acres
|
Barry | |
|
Gun Lake
665 acres
|
Allegan | |
|
Lake Columbia
821 acres
|
Jackson | |
|
Lake Nepessing
952 acres
|
Lapeer | |
|
Magician Lake
755 acres
|
Cass | |
|
Paw Paw Lake
1,000 acres
|
Van Buren | |
|
Pontiac Lake
770 acres
|
Oakland |
Yellow Bullhead Conservation Status
Native Yellow Bullhead is native to Michigan waters. Native Michigan species with healthy populations in suitable habitat across the state. The daily bag limit is 10.
Yellow Bullhead Habitat & Behavior
Clear to moderately turbid lakes, ponds, and streams in southern and central Michigan. Prefers sand or gravel bottom over mud -- found in cleaner conditions than brown bullhead. Often shares water with bass and panfish. DNR records show Yellow Bullhead present in 12 Michigan water bodies. Bite activity rates Good or better in Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep.
Best Yellow Bullhead Techniques
Bottom fishing at dusk and night with nightcrawlers or worms. Light tackle is ideal -- yellow bullhead fight well for their size.
Best Yellow Bullhead Baits
Night crawlers, chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, worms
Yellow Bullhead Fishing Regulations in Michigan
10
Daily limit
20
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Similar habits to Brown Bullhead. Prefers clear, weedy water.
⚠️ 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 Yellow Bullhead Stocking Records
Yellow Bullhead Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 more recent stocking event available with Fishing Pro
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Most valuable for Yellow Bullhead anglers
See where Yellow Bullhead will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 1 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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1
Historical stocking events
1
Lakes stocked
Jun
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Jun
Top Stocked Lakes
See the top 1 lakes most likely to be stocked with Yellow Bullhead next season.
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Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
Best Times to Fish Yellow Bullhead
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