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 2 of 4 · 47 total species
Chain Pickerel
Unknown
The chain pickerel (Esox niger) is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family (family Esocidae) of order Esociformes. The chain pickere...
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
The channel catfish is the most widely distributed catfish species in North America and one of the most popular sport fish in the country. K...
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The Chinook salmon, also called King salmon, is the largest Pacific salmon species and one of the most prized sport fish in the world. Nativ...
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Oncorhynchus kisutch
The Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, is celebrated for its spectacular jumps and acrobatic fighting ability. Smaller than Chinook b...
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
The common carp is one of the most widespread and adaptable fish in the world, found in virtually every US state. Introduced from Europe in ...
Cutthroat Trout
Unknown
The cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clade) is a clade of four fish species of the family Salmonidae native to cold-water tributaries o...
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
The flathead catfish is a uniquely solitary and nocturnal predator that almost exclusively eats live prey. Unlike blue and channel cats that...
Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead)
Aplodinotus grunniens
The freshwater drum is the only member of the drum family (Sciaenidae) that lives exclusively in freshwater. Known for its distinctive drumm...
Grass Carp
Unknown
The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a species of large herbivorous freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae, native to the Pacific F...
Green Sunfish
Unknown
The green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) is a species of aggressive freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Centrarchifo...
Lake Sturgeon
Unknown
The lake sturgeon (Huso fulvescens), also known as the rock sturgeon, is a North American temperate freshwater fish, one of 27 species of st...
Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
The lake trout is the largest of the North American chars and a cold-water specialist found in the deep, oligotrophic lakes of the northern ...
🌡️ 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.