Sacramento Pikeminnow

Body Type & Identification: Large, elongated minnow with a pointed snout and large mouth. Olive to silver with a darker back. The largest minnow native to western North America — capable of reaching 4 feet and 15 lbs in large river systems. An apex predator of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system. Also called "Squawfish" in older literature.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–72°F. Found throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed in California. Most active in warmer months. A predatory species that targets smaller fish — poses a threat to juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in dams-altered rivers.

Habitat: Rivers, streams, and reservoirs of the Sacramento-San Joaquin drainage — California's primary river system. Found throughout the system from mountain headwaters to the Delta. A bounty program exists on the Sacramento and Trinity rivers to reduce predation on juvenile salmon — anglers are paid per fish removed.

Best Lures: Small spinners and spoons produce strikes. Small swimbaits work near current. Small crankbaits in minnow patterns are effective. Fast-moving lures mimic the baitfish they pursue.

Best Baits: Live small minnows are the top bait. Small whole shiners work well. Fresh-dead small fish produce results. Small nightcrawlers catch fish. A bounty program (Sacramento River Predator Management Program) pays anglers per fish — check CDFW for current rules and payment structure.

Top 5 Destinations: Sacramento River CA, Trinity River CA (bounty program), American River CA, Feather River CA, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta CA.