US Freshwater Fish Guide
Identify fish species, discover the best baits, optimal water temperatures, and where to find them across all 50 states.
All Fish Species
Page 1 of 4 · 47 total species
Alligator Gar
Unknown
The alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a euryhaline ray-finned fish in the clade Ginglymodi of the infraclass Holostei , being most clo...
Bighead Carp
Unknown
The bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is a species of cyprinid freshwater fish native to East Asia, and is one of several Asian carp...
Black Bullhead
Unknown
The black bullhead or black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas) is a species of bullhead catfish. Like other bullhead catfish, it has the abi...
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
The black crappie is one of the most popular panfish in North America, prized for both its sporting qualities and exceptional flavor. Black ...
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
The blue catfish is the largest catfish species in North America, capable of exceeding 100 pounds in some reservoirs. Originally a river spe...
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
The bluegill is the most abundant and widely distributed sunfish in the United States, and the fish that introduces more children and beginn...
Bowfin
Unknown
The ruddy bowfin (Amia calva) is a ray-finned fish native to North America. Common names include mudfish, mud pike, dogfish, grindle, grinne...
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
The brook trout is technically a char, not a true trout, and is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America. Nativ...
Brown Bullhead
Unknown
The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a fish of the family Ictaluridae that is widely distributed in North America. It is a species of ...
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Introduced from Europe in the 1880s, brown trout have become one of the most sought-after sport fish in North America. Known for their warin...
Bull Trout
Unknown
The bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is a char of the family Salmonidae native to northwestern North America. Historically, S. confluentu...
Burbot
Unknown
The burbot (Lota lota), also known as bubbot, mariah, loche, cusk, freshwater cod, freshwater ling, freshwater cusk, the lawyer, coney-fish,...
🌡️ Water Temperature & Fishing Guide
🧊 Cold Water Species <65°F
Cold-water species thrive below 65°F and may become stressed or die when water warms above their threshold.
🌿 Warm Water Species 60–80°F
Most sport fish are warm-water species, active and feeding aggressively when water temperatures are between 60–80°F.
🔥 Hot Water Species >72°F
Hot-water species remain active even in summer heat when most cold and warm-water fish seek deep, cooler water.
About This Fish Guide
This comprehensive US freshwater fish guide covers the most common and popular sport fish species found in American lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Each species profile includes detailed information on identification, habitat preferences, optimal water temperatures, proven fishing techniques, and where to find them across all 50 states.
Water temperature is one of the most critical factors determining fishing success. Fish are cold-blooded, meaning their activity levels, feeding behavior, and location in the water column are directly controlled by temperature. Use the temperature filter above to find species that are currently active based on your lake or river's current water temperature — which you can find on any water body detail page on this site.
Always ensure you have the appropriate state fishing license before fishing, and check local regulations for size and bag limits for each species. Fishing regulations vary significantly by state, water body, and season.