US fish species
Guides to the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States. Each covers habitat, best season, active times and how to catch them — click any species for the full guide and top lakes.
- Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoidesVegetation, reed beds, submerged logs, shallow-to-deep edges7,862 lakes · 48 states
- Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieuRocky bottoms, reefs, clear cool water6,932 lakes · 42 states
- CrappiePomoxis spp.Submerged trees, brush piles, docks7,862 lakes · 48 states
- Bluegill / SunfishLepomis spp.Shallow warm water, beds7,862 lakes · 48 states
- Northern PikeEsox luciusWeed edges, cool clear lakes and rivers7,013 lakes · 32 states
- Muskellunge / MuskyEsox masquinongyLarge clear lakes and rivers3,686 lakes · 16 states
- Chain PickerelEsox nigerVegetation, weedy waters2,487 lakes · 21 states
- WalleyeSander vitreusBottom edges, drop-offs7,298 lakes · 35 states
- Yellow PerchPerca flavescensSchooling near bottom6,735 lakes · 30 states
- Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykissCold clear streams, lakes, rivers7,503 lakes · 38 states
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaCold rivers and lakes, undercut banks6,359 lakes · 35 states
- Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisCold clear oxygen-rich streams and mountain lakes5,836 lakes · 23 states
- Lake TroutSalvelinus namaycushDeep cold water5,663 lakes · 16 states
- Striped BassMorone saxatilisOpen water, baitfish schools3,289 lakes · 26 states
- White BassMorone chrysopsOpen water, river mouths5,068 lakes · 28 states
- Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusRiver and lake bottoms7,862 lakes · 48 states
- Flathead CatfishPylodictis olivarisDeep cover, log jams4,982 lakes · 28 states
- Blue CatfishIctalurus furcatusDeep river channels2,107 lakes · 23 states
- Common CarpCyprinus carpioShallow warm water, muddy bottoms7,862 lakes · 48 states