Range and Identity
Pogonichthys macrolepidotus is native to California’s Central Valley and San Francisco Estuary region. Historical inland distribution was broader than the core areas described in modern accounts. A former collection locality should not be treated as confirmation of current occupancy.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults use marshes, the Delta and connected river habitats. During high winter and spring flows they move into flooded margins and floodplains to spawn. Young grow in these productive shallow settings before moving toward habitats used by older fish.
Food and Life History
The compiled upper reference is forty-four centimeters total length. California also reports fish exceeding forty centimeters fork length, which uses a different convention. Invertebrates and detritus provide food, and eggs attach to submerged vegetation.
Field Note
Small hooks with night crawlers or pile worms match California’s fishing guidance. Near-shore flooded margins can be relevant during seasonal movements, but a local water’s conditions determine the actual fishing setting.
All Lakes With Splittail
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Splittail records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.