Identification
Look for the combination of a curved back, flat underside and a dark stripe continuing around the dorsal-fin base. Small markings flank the lateral-line pores. Sand Shiner can look similar, so body shape and markings should be considered together.
Size and Weight
The published maximum total length is 8 cm, approximately 3.1 inches. Canadian collections described adults mostly between 5 and 7.5 cm. A dependable measured maximum weight was not established.
Habitat and Natural Food
Shallow runs and pools in creeks and smaller rivers provide its usual habitat. Aquatic insects dominate many recorded meals; terrestrial insects become more important in some autumn samples. Water boatmen were the only prey identified in one fall collection from Manitoba.
Observation and Fishing Context
This is a small native stream fish, not a species with a verified sport-fishing bait recommendation here. Mixed schools may include several similar shiners, and identifying a school from a quick flash of silver is unreliable.
Finding Food in the Sand
Aquarium observations describe Bigmouth Shiners taking in sand and separating edible material before expelling the rest through the mouth or gill openings. Its feeding position close to the bottom fits the small, downward-facing mouth.
All Lakes With Bigmouth Shiner
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Bigmouth Shiner records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 38 lakes · Page 1 of 2
- Barlow Lake Barry, MI
- Big Lake Beltrami, MN
- Big Stone Lake Big Stone, MN
- Big Trout Lake Crow Wing, MN
- Brooks Lake Newaygo, MI
- Cass Lake Cass, MN
- Cedar Lake Martin, MN
- Clitherall Lake Otter Tail, MN
- Eagle Lake Otter Tail, MN
- Fremont Lake Newaygo, MI
- Green Lake Allegan, MI
- Hager Lake Houghton, MI
- Horseshoe Lake Crow Wing, MN
- Houghton Lake Roscommon, MI
- Lake Betsy Meeker, MN
- Lake Edward Crow Wing, MN
- Lake Ethel Otter Tail, MN
- Lake of the Woods Lake of the Woods, MN
- Lake Plantagenet Hubbard, MN
- Lake Traverse Traverse, MN
- Leech Lake Cass, MN
- Leech Lake Reservoir Cass, MN
- Little McDonald Lake Otter Tail, MN
- Long Lake Hubbard, MN