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Freshwater Fish Species

Freshwater fish inhabit the lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds that stretch across North America. From the bass-heavy reservoirs of the South to the cold trout streams of the Rockies, freshwater fishing draws more anglers than any other discipline. Species in this category range from fast-growing panfish to trophy largemouth that can top 20 pounds. Knowing the habitat preferences, seasonal patterns, and feeding habits of each species is the difference between a slow afternoon and a memorable day on the water.

15 species in this category

Panfish

Black Crappie

Schooling panfish prized by anglers for excellent table fare. Spring spawn is pr…

Catfish

Blue Catfish

Giant freshwater predator. Largest North American catfish species.

Panfish

Bluegill

America's favorite panfish. Kids' first catch and dependable eating size.

Trout

Brook Trout

America's native char. Small but beautiful fish of high-elevation streams.

Trout

Brown Trout

European import that grew into a legendary American gamefish. Wary and large.

Catfish

Channel Catfish

Most popular US catfish. Whiskered bottom-feeder available in rivers and lakes e…

Carp

Common Carp

European import and world's most pursued fish. Powerful fighter on light tackle.

Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Solitary ambush predator. Only eats live bait β€” trophy catches come from snags a…

Bass

Largemouth Bass

North America's most popular gamefish. Found in lakes, ponds, and slow rivers ac…

Pike

Muskellunge

The fish of 10,000 casts. Largest freshwater predator in North America.

Pike

Northern Pike

Aggressive apex predator of cold lakes. Strikes big lures and ambushes prey.

Trout

Rainbow Trout

Stocked and wild rainbow trout. Aggressive striker and acrobatic fighter when ho…

Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Bronze warrior of northern rivers and clear lakes. Pound-for-pound fights harder…

Perch

Walleye

Great Lakes and northern prize with exceptional eating quality. Low-light feeder…

Perch

Yellow Perch

Gold-and-green striped panfish. Great Lakes favorite and year-round catch.

Log your freshwater catches in FishLog

The FishLog app has the full species database plus a personal catch log β€” species, weight, length, GPS location, and photos. Free for iOS and Android.

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