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 edges
- Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieuRocky bottoms, reefs, clear cool water
- CrappiePomoxis spp.Submerged trees, brush piles, docks
- Bluegill / SunfishLepomis spp.Shallow warm water, beds
- Northern PikeEsox luciusWeed edges, cool clear lakes and rivers
- Muskellunge / MuskyEsox masquinongyLarge clear lakes and rivers
- Chain PickerelEsox nigerVegetation, weedy waters
- WalleyeSander vitreusBottom edges, drop-offs
- Yellow PerchPerca flavescensSchooling near bottom
- Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykissCold clear streams, lakes, rivers
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaCold rivers and lakes, undercut banks
- Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisCold clear oxygen-rich streams and mountain lakes
- Lake TroutSalvelinus namaycushDeep cold water
- Striped BassMorone saxatilisOpen water, baitfish schools
- White BassMorone chrysopsOpen water, river mouths
- Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusRiver and lake bottoms
- Flathead CatfishPylodictis olivarisDeep cover, log jams
- Blue CatfishIctalurus furcatusDeep river channels
- Common CarpCyprinus carpioShallow warm water, muddy bottoms