Tui Chub (Siphateles bicolor)

Body Type & Identification: A stout, deep-bodied minnow native to the Great Basin and western rivers of California and Nevada. Olive to green with a rounded snout and large scales. Multiple subspecies with significant variation — some subspecies are threatened or endangered. An important prey species for large trout in Great Basin lakes.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–75°F. A warm-water tolerant western minnow found in lakes, ponds, and slow streams of the Great Basin. Forms dense schools near shore in vegetated areas. An important forage fish for Brown and Rainbow Trout in Pyramid Lake and other Nevada desert lakes.

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, and slow rivers of California's Great Basin region, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. Very common in lakes like Eagle Lake CA, Pyramid Lake NV, and numerous high desert lakes. Multiple subspecies, some of which are federally threatened.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted specifically. Small jigs produce catches.

Best Baits: Small pieces of worm catch Tui Chub. Primarily used as live bait for trophy Brown Trout in Great Basin lakes — large Lahontan Cutthroat in Pyramid Lake feed heavily on Tui Chub.

Top 5 Destinations: Eagle Lake CA, Pyramid Lake NV, Lake Tahoe CA/NV, Goose Lake CA/OR, Davis Lake OR.