Smallmouth Buffalo

Body Type & Identification: Smallmouth 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. Typically 5–20 lbs. Olive-brown to bronze body. More commonly caught than Bigmouth Buffalo — found in a wider range of habitats. A fine food fish and surprisingly strong fighter on medium tackle

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 Great Lakes south to the Gulf Coast — the most common buffalo fish. Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. More tolerant of turbid water than Bigmouth Buffalo. A bottom feeder that uses its subterminal mouth to vacuum invertebrates and organic matter from muddy and sandy river bottoms 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.

Smallmouth 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. Typically 5–20 lbs. Olive-brown to bronze body. More commonly caught than Bigmouth Buffalo — found in a wider range of habitats. A fine food fish and surprisingly strong fighter on medium tackle

Found in large rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi drainage from the Great Lakes south to the Gulf Coast — the most common buffalo fish. Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. More tolerant of turbid water than Bigmouth Buffalo. A bottom feeder that uses its subterminal mouth to vacuum invertebrates and organic matter from muddy and sandy river bottoms 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.

2 fishing locations where you can catch Smallmouth Buffalo

2 official records on file for Smallmouth Buffalo