American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) 18" - 36" Found in streams, ponds, swamps, marshes, Atlantic ocean and is primarily nocturnal. Feeds on worms, insects, snails, crustaceans, crayfish. Prized dish in Europe and Asia.
Shadow Bass (Ambloplites ariommus): 6" - 8" Found south of the Tennessee River
Prefers weed beds, embankments, brush piles, in slow-moving rivers and streams. Excellent ultra-light spinning gear or fly-rod catch.
Black Bullhead (ameiurus melas) 8" - 12" Found in warm pools, streams, rivers, ponds, resevoirs throughout North America.
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) 6" - 10" Found in lakes and rivers throughout North America. Excellent game-fish for light-gear anglers and children. Edible and considered tastey.
Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) 10" - 16" Found in lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout North America. Bottom feeders, feeding on crustaceans, fish eggs, snails, animal matter. Edible but not considered tastey in general.
Spotted Bullhead (Ameiurus serracanthus) 6" - 9 " Found in ponds, lakes, and streams throughout North America. Bottom feeders, feeding on crustaceans, fish eggs, snails. Not considered a game-fish, not considered tastey.
Flat Bullhead (Ameiurus platycephalus) 10" - 14" Found in lakes and rivers throughout North America. Diet includes crayfish, fish eggs, snails, animal matter. Edible but not considered a game-fish.
Lake Perch (Perca flavescens) 12" - 18" Found in lakes and rivers throughout North America. Commonly congregate in shoals. Diet includes insects, fish eggs, other fishes. Good sport fish and is edible.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) 12" - 24" Found in marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, and resevoirs throughout North America. Feeds on insects, crayfish, other fishes, and small amphibians. A true favorite amont sports fishermen, hits and fights hard. Considered to be very tastey.
Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) ENORMOUS, 100 - 300 lbs Found in Florida panhandle, Mississippi drainage area, Ohio river, Missouri river. Diet is generally anything it can catch. Long living fish, between 25 and 50 year lifespan. Edible but its eggs are TOXIC.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) 36" - 60" Found in calm waters, usually in lakes throughout the Eastern United States and is the largest member of the Pike family. Feeds on other fishes and virtually anything it can catch. Supreme game-fish.
Northern Pike (Esox lucius) 36" - 60" Found in Marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams. Feeds on virtually anything it can catch. Considered an excellent game-fish.
Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) 18" - 24" Found in streams and rivers throughout North America. Diet of crustaceans, insects, other fishes, and small amphibians. Often stocked and is a popular game-fish
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) 12" - 18" Feeds on insects, crayfish and other crustaceans, as well as other fishes. Edible
There are many species of fish found within U.S. lakes, streams, and oceans. Below are some of the most commonly sought game-fish as well as some others you may find at the end of your fishing line.
Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)10" - 16" Often found in shoals among or around bluegill in North American waters. Feed on aquatic insects and small fish. Quite a handsome fish and is considered tastey.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 12" - 24" or more found in lakes and rivers throughout north america feed at night and day on small fish, crustaceans, and animal matter. can grow to be over 40lbs. Considered an excellent tasting fish.
Redbreast Sunfish (lepomis auritus)
6" - 11" Found in lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout North America. Feeds on insects and
small fish. Great light tackle fish. Considered a good tasting pan-fish.
Red Spotted Sunfish (Lepomis punctatus)
4" - 10" Found in lakes, ponds, and rivers in North America. Aggresive and eats almost anything small enough for it to catch. Funt to catch on light tackle.
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)
Can be very large, approaching 80lbs in some cases.
A coastal fish, found in the ocean, bays, and associated tributaries. Feeds on crustaceans as a juvenile and primarily on other fish as an adult. A highly prized game-fish.
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) 4" - 10" Found in North American ponds and lakes. Feeds on small fish and insects. Not considered a game-fish but can be fun to catch with light tackle.
Species Guide:
