Sacramento Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus grandis

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Overview
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.
Identifying
Habitat
Water Conditions
Tackle & Bait
Top Fishing Locations
2 fishing locations where you can catch Sacramento Pikeminnow
State & Agency Records
1 official record on file for Sacramento Pikeminnow