Brown bullhead in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for brown bullhead.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 4 lbs. 2 oz.record
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brown bullhead in Wisconsin, the overview
Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) sits in the Bullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows None; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 4 lbs. 2 oz. fish from Little Green Lake (2006) heads the hook and line list.
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| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | Open all year |
| All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Winnebago System waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
brown bullhead records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 4 lbs. 2 oz. | Little Green Lake | Green Lake | 2006 |
| alternate method | 1 lb. 13.6 oz. | Green Bay | Door | 2025 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Where brown bullhead turn up in Wisconsin
Largest lakes with brown bullhead
- Little Green Lake462 acres
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with brown bullhead
- Channel catfishBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Flathead catfishBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Black bullheadBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Yellow bullheadBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
Wisconsin water near Brown bullhead, photographed
Photo: Scott Catron, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: BobbbyLight, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick facts people look up on brown bullhead
What daily limit applies to brown bullhead here?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record brown bullhead?
4 lbs. 2 oz. from Little Green Lake in 2006 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold brown bullhead?
1 water here, starting with Little Green Lake.
Are brown bullhead stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify brown bullhead?
Ameiurus nebulosus, Bullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae); game fish.
Which months can I keep brown bullhead?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for brown bullhead?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Do outfitters list brown bullhead?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for brown bullhead
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.