Freshwater · May-October; most active at night in warm months

Korean Torrent Bullhead

Liobagrus mediadiposus

A small endemic torrent catfish of the Geum system — nocturnal, stone-hiding, and a sign of clean streams. Anglers meet it on fine worm tackle in mountain streams at night. Caution: Geumgang torrent catfish of this genus can include the protected class-I species (퉁사리, Liobagrus obesus), so identify all small Liobagrus carefully and release them.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

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Aug

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Korean Torrent Bullhead — AI-generated image — AI-generated image — no verified freely-licensed photo of this species was available

Identifying features

Small scaleless yellow-brown catfish with 4 pairs of barbels
Adipose fin large and joined to the tail fin — 'mediadiposus'
Rounded tail fin and short dorsal fin
No dark shoulder blotch like its closer relative
Under 5 in (13 cm) long

Habits

Hides under stones by day, out feeding at night
Endemic to Korea — a purely Korean catfish
Feeds on aquatic insects and tiny fish
Sensitive to pollution — an index fish of clean streams
Caution: Liobagrus from the Geumgang can include the protected class-I species (퉁사리, Liobagrus obesus) — identify all small torrent catfish carefully and release them

Distribution

Regional coverage expanding

Where to find them

Geumgang (Geum River) basin streams, Chungcheong
Upper Han headwater tributaries
Muju and Jinan county mountain streams

Where they live

Stony reaches of mountain streams in the Geum River systemClear runs and pools under boulders in upland streamsCool tributaries rich in rock cover

How to catch them

Night stream fishing at stone pools River

Rig: Small hook with a worm piece fished tight to the bottom beside stone pools in slow runs, after dark

Bait/lure: Worm piece or bee larva

Key tip: Fish after dark — they will not leave stones by day; strike quickly at the first tug.

Light bottom fishing in clear runs River

Rig: Feather-weight rig with a fish piece placed in clear runs at current-sheltered spots

Bait/lure: Tiny fish pieces

Key tip: Only clean headwater streams hold them; treat the genus with respect and release every catch.

Best baits & lures

Earthworm piecesWaxworms (bee larvae)Fish pieces

Techniques for Korean Torrent Bullhead →

Baseline setup

Rod: Light 6-7 ft stream rod
Line: 4-6 lb monofilament
Terminal: Small hooks size 8-12, small split shot

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

8' medium-heavy catfish rod

≈ US$80-130

Long enough to lob heavy bait rigs, strong enough to move a flathead off the bottom.

Reel · Budget

Baitcasting or 4000-6000 spinning reel

≈ US$60-100

Line capacity and drag for long runs — catfish and carp both make them.

Terminal · Budget

Circle hooks, sliding sinkers and cut-bait rigs

≈ US$15-25

A slip-sinker rig with a circle hook is the proven bottom setup for cats and carp alike.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 3-4.5 in (8-11 cm); maximum about 5 in (13 cm)

On the table

Tiny; occasionally used in soup but most anglers release it.

Similar species

Anderson's Torrent CatfishAnderson's torrent catfish (퉁가리) is its closest relative: longer, slimmer body and the adipose fin separate from the tail; mediadiposus has the adipose fused into the tail fin

Japanese Bagrid CatfishJapanese bagrid catfish is a larger, slim lowland catfish; torrent bullhead is a small, chunky mountain-stream fish

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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