Identification
Look for a gray to brassy body, a narrow tail stalk and a deeply forked tail. The firm cutting edge of the lower lip is more informative than overall color. Seen from below, the nearly square mouth differs from the softer, more rounded mouths of many neighboring minnows.
Where It Lives
Chiselmouth occurs in flowing pools and runs, including larger, productive rivers. Gravel, sand and rocky substrates occur within its habitat, and some populations occupy lakes. Adults can use deeper water with boulders and cobble, while young fish may occupy quieter margins with vegetation.
Feeding and Spawning
Adults graze attached algae and diatoms. Young fish also take insects at the surface, so their feeding position can differ from that of larger fish. Tributaries provide spawning habitat; Oregon accounts describe spawning in June and July. Access between feeding areas and tributaries is part of this fish’s river setting.
Check the Lip
The scraping edge explains the common name. A clear view of the mouth can distinguish Chiselmouth more reliably than a distant photograph of its silvery side.
All Lakes With Chiselmouth
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Chiselmouth records in our database, listed alphabetically.
Showing 1–18 of 18 lakes · Page 1 of 1
- Black Canyon Reservoir Gem, ID
- Brownlee Reservoir Baker, OR
- Dexter Reservoir Lane, OR
- Fern Ridge Lake Lane, OR
- Haystack Reservoir Jefferson, OR
- Lake Billy Chinook Jefferson, OR
- Lake Cascade Valley, ID
- Lake Owyhee Malheur, OR
- Lake Simtustus Jefferson, OR
- Lake Umatilla Morrow, OR
- Lookout Point Lake Lane, OR
- Lower Salmon Falls Reservoir Twin Falls, ID
- Lucky Peak Lake Ada, ID
- Oxbow Reservoir Adams, ID
- Prineville Reservoir Crook, OR
- Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir Twin Falls, ID
- Thief Valley Reservoir Baker, OR
- Warm Springs Reservoir Harney, OR