Other names: Columbia River dace, Squawfish
The Northern Pikeminnow is a large freshwater fish native to the Pacific drainages of North America. Known for its elongated body and predatory nature, this species thrives in lakes and rivers, feeding primarily on other fish and aquatic insects. Although it’s not highly regarded as a food fish, it plays an important role in controlling fish populations in its habitat.
Other names
Columbia River dace, Squawfish
Length
~22" (max 89)
Weight
~1" (max 7)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
12-18° F
Bread
Chicken Livers
Crickets
Cut Bait (Fish)
Flies
Foam Skwala Stonefly
Grasshoppers
Minnows
Salmon eggs
Shrimp-
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Northern Pikeminnows prefer lakes and pools within large rivers, often staying in deeper waters
They are opportunistic feeders, preying on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans
These fish are commonly found near the shore during their juvenile stage, while adults move to deeper areas
They are adaptable to different freshwater environments but require clean, oxygen-rich waters
During spawning, females are surrounded by several males, and eggs are released in gravelly areas near the bottom
Spawning occurs in late spring to early summer when water temperatures rise
After hatching, juveniles remain in shallow waters, feeding on plankton and insects before moving to deeper waters
Northern Pikeminnows reach maturity in a few years, with their predatory behavior becoming more pronounced as they grow
