Yellow bullhead in Wisconsin
Wisconsin rules and waters for yellow bullhead.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 4 lbs. 5 oz.record
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Wisconsin yellow bullhead basics
Wisconsin files Yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) with the Bullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae), and the regulations treat it as game fish. Where the guide lists general inland waters, the keeper rule is None; no minimum length and the season is Open all year.
In 2021, White Mound Lake gave up the hook and line record, 4 lbs. 5 oz.
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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.
The biggest Wisconsin yellow bullhead on file
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 4 lbs. 5 oz. | White Mound Lake | Sauk | 2021 |
| alternate method | 3 lbs. 2.7 oz. | Pike Lake | Washington | 2020 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Lakes and rivers with yellow bullhead
Lake pages listing yellow bullhead
- Pike Lake, Washington County461 acres
- White Mound Lake93 acres
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
Family members of yellow bullhead
- Channel catfishBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Flathead catfishBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Black bullheadBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
- Brown bullheadBullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae)
Shoreline scenes a drive from Yellow bullhead
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Axhi12, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
Wisconsin yellow bullhead: common questions
Can Wisconsin anglers keep yellow bullhead?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
What is the Wisconsin record yellow bullhead?
4 lbs. 5 oz. from White Mound Lake in 2021 (hook and line).
Where are yellow bullhead found in Wisconsin?
2 waters here, starting with Pike Lake, Washington County and White Mound Lake.
How many yellow bullhead did the WDNR stock?
None recorded from 2023 to 2025.
Is yellow bullhead a game fish in Wisconsin?
Ameiurus natalis, Bullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae); game fish.
Does Wisconsin close the yellow bullhead season?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Is a trout stamp required for yellow 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 Wisconsin guides fish for yellow bullhead?
The guides page lists operators by water instead.
Go after yellow bullhead this season
The lake pages above carry abundance, landings and limits.