Bullhead

Bullhead Lake is a small lake of about 36 acres with a maximum depth of 17 feet located on the eastern edge of the Kelliher city limits in east-central Beltrami County. The lake is managed by Bemidji Area Fisheries as a kid's fishing pond and is stocked annually with mixed adult panfish and a few Largemouth Bass. The city of Kelliher maintains a fishing pier that is located at the access. The lake winterkills frequently, but occasional mild winters and the city's operation of an aeration system have allowed stocked fish to survive periodically. As a result, quality angling opportunities are occasionally available. A fisheries assessment of Bullhead Lake was initiated in 2024 to evaluate the fish community and help guide future management of the lake. The only previous survey occurred in 1989. Fish species present at that time included Brown Bullhead, Finescale Dace and Northern Redbelly Dace. Primary species captured in 2024 were Bluegill and Brown Bullhead. A variety of other species including Black Crappie, hybrid sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Yellow Perch were captured in low numbers, most of them likely introduced through stocking along with adult Bluegill. The Bluegill population in 2024 was of surprising quality, even knowing that it was established through stocking of adults both in 2024 and very likely in 2023 as the winter of 2023-24 was extremely mild. Bluegill ranged in length from 5 to 9 inches and averaged around 8 inches.

THE FISH POPULATION CONSISTS OF BROWN BULLHEADS, NORTHRN REDBELLY DACE AND FINESCALE DACE. BROWN BULLHEAD ARE VERY HIGH IN NUMBERS RANGING FROM 4

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, and Black Crappie in Bullhead. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Bullhead. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Bullhead has a maximum depth of 17 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bullhead is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Bullhead in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.