Colorado Fish Species: Bigmouth Buffalo

The bigmouth buffalo is a large species of the sucker family.  It is a dullish brown-olive color with dusky fins. It sports a long dorsal fin and a large oblique and terminal mouth. No barbells on mouth or spines on fins. Buffalo are a large fish that can reach 4 ft and 65 lb. They are primarily plankton feeders, eating mostly algae, zooplankton, crustaceans and other larvae.
 
Buffalo migrate upstream to spawn usually from April to June.  Eggs are broadcast over plants to where they adhere. More than one male will assist in spawning by moving the female to the top of the water to help mix eggs and milt.  
 
These fish are rarely caught by rod and reel, but successful anglers have used small hooks hidden in dough balls fished along the bottom. The meat is firm, white, flaky and good tasting, although somewhat bony.  They are especially fine eating when smoked.