Black Buffalo

Body Type & Identification: Black Buffalo is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Can reach 50+ lbs. Dark gray to black body — the darkest of the buffalo fish. A trophy species for specimen hunters in large southern rivers

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Habitat: Found in large rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi drainage from the Ohio River south to the Gulf Coast. Found in large, slow to moderately flowing rivers and reservoirs. Less common than Bigmouth Buffalo — tends toward deeper, stronger current in large rivers. An impressive, powerful fish on appropriate tackle An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Top 5 Destinations: Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.

Black Buffalo is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Can reach 50+ lbs. Dark gray to black body — the darkest of the buffalo fish. A trophy species for specimen hunters in large southern rivers

Found in large rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi drainage from the Ohio River south to the Gulf Coast. Found in large, slow to moderately flowing rivers and reservoirs. Less common than Bigmouth Buffalo — tends toward deeper, stronger current in large rivers. An impressive, powerful fish on appropriate tackle An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom. Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.

1 official record on file for Black Buffalo