Identification and Size
A long, streamlined body ends in a large head that can account for roughly a quarter of the total length. The jaws have thick lips but no teeth. Historical reports describe fish approaching six feet and 88 pounds; these are historical accounts, not current certified rod-and-reel records.
River Habitat
Adults establish feeding and resting areas within large rivers. Young fish use lower river sections before gradually moving toward upstream habitat as they grow. Changes in river flow and connectivity can consequently affect different life stages in different places.
Feeding and Reproduction
Adults prey on other fish and can take surprisingly large prey relative to their own length. Maturity takes several years. Spawning migrations connect home ranges with reproductive areas, making an uninterrupted river route important beyond the immediate habitat occupied by a single fish.
A Giant Minnow, Historically
The largest numbers describe historical reports. They should not be used to imply that a six-foot pikeminnow is an ordinary fish in today’s river surveys.
All Lakes With Colorado Pikeminnow
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Colorado Pikeminnow 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.