Bigmouth Buffalo

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The Bigmouth buffalo species does not form a large sport fishery since it will not take normal types of baits. It is the largest member of the sucker family, growing to over 70 lb.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

In general body shape, the Bigmouth buffalo resembles the carp. The dorsal fin is similar, beginning with a tall lobe near the middle of the back and continuing to a lower portion nearly at the tail. The carp has a single serrated spine at the beginning of the dorsal fin, while the bigmouth buffalo has no spines in any of the fins.

The toothless mouth is relatively large and wide, and slants downward when closed. The upper lip begins almost on the same level with the eyes. In comparison, the mouth of the smallmouth buffalo, is smaller, almost horizontal when closed, subterminal, and protracts downward in typical sucker fashion. The body of the bigmouth buffalo is coppery olive-brown to slate-blue above, becoming lighter toward the belly, which is white.

WHERE TO CATCH BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

The Bigmouth Buffalo can be found in the Lake Eerie, Ohio, and Mississippi drainages from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, the bigmouth buffalo has also been introduced into Arizona and California.

The following list includes places where you can catch Bigmouth buffalo:

Freshwater Lakes and Ponds                              Outside of Bends

Overhanging Trees and Bushes                          Riparian zones

Rock and Boulder Pockets                                   Merging Currents

Dams and Falls                                                    Current Edges

Drop-Offs                                                              Undercuts

HOW TO CATCH BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

About 90 percent of the Bigmouth buffalos diet consists of small crustaceans. It also feeds on algae and other plant matter, but very seldom eats insects, insect larvae, or other fish. The following are fishing methods you can use to catch Bigmouth Buffalo:

Drift Fishing                                  Fly Fishing

Still Fishing                                   Spin Casting