Northern Pikeminnow
Northern Pikeminnow are a large native minnow found in British Columbia's Pacific drainages and the Peace River system.
In Canada they're a curiosity more than a target species — most anglers encounter them incidentally while fishing for salmon, trout, or steelhead.
They're easy to catch on light gear and put up a decent scrap, but the real draw is their role in the ecosystem: big pikeminnow eat salmon and steelhead smolts by the millions.
Scientific Name: Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Also known as Squawfish, Columbia River dace
- Elongated, pike-like body with a large mouth that extends well back under the eye — built for eating other fish.
- Back is dark greenish, sides silvery; juveniles show a distinct dark spot at the base of the tail fin that fades with age.
- No barbels; toothless jaws, but effective at grabbing and swallowing prey whole.
- Common fish run 20–30 cm; large adults can exceed 60 cm. Weights approaching 13 kg have been reported from Canada.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to BC's Pacific-slope drainages from the Nass River south through the Fraser and Columbia systems, and also present in the Peace River drainage (Arctic basin) in BC and Alberta.
- Occupy rivers, reservoirs, and lakes — comfortable in both slow-moving water and moderate current, particularly around impoundments and dam tailraces.
- Larger fish tend to hold in main-channel habitat with rocky structure; younger fish use shallow, low-velocity shorelines and backwaters.
Key Locations
- Fraser River system, BC — the main-stem and major tributaries hold pikeminnow throughout their BC range.
- Nass River, BC — the northern limit of the species' native Pacific-slope range in Canada.
- Peace River drainage, BC and Alberta — a separate population in the Arctic basin, distinct from the Pacific-slope fish.
- Columbia River tributaries in BC — pikeminnow are present in the Canadian portion of the Columbia system, connected to the larger population downstream.
Specific Spots
- Rocky areas with fast current near dam tailraces concentrate big fish — the turbulence disorients baitfish and smolts, making feeding easy.
- Eddies, points, and stream mouths where current slows give pikeminnow a place to intercept prey moving downstream.
- Rows of pilings, ledges, and gravel bars in main-channel rivers hold fish, especially during low-light periods at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
- Shallow shorelines and backwaters with fine substrate are key rearing areas for juveniles and worth noting when fishing for other species nearby.
Northern Pikeminnow FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Northern Pikeminnow?
Small spinners (Mepps, Blue Fox) and inline spinnerbaits in the 1/8–1/4 oz range are reliable across BC river systems, the flash and vibration trigger strikes from fish holding in current.
What flies work for Northern Pikeminnow?
Clouser Minnows (a weighted, baitfish-imitating streamer) in small sizes, size 4 to 8, are a go-to for larger fish holding in current. White-and-chartreuse or olive-and-white are proven color combos.
When is the best time to fish for Northern Pikeminnow?
Spring and early summer, as water temperatures rise, marks the most active feeding period and coincides with the downstream migration of salmon smolts. Spawning occurs in moving water when temperatures reach the mid-teens Celsius, typically in June in BC river systems.
How do you catch Northern Pikeminnow?
Most BC anglers encounter pikeminnow incidentally while fishing for trout or salmon. Those targeting them deliberately work rocky tailrace areas and current seams from shore or a drifting boat, using light spinning gear with small spinners or baitfish-style lures.
What do Northern Pikeminnow eat?
Adults eat smaller fish, salmon and steelhead smolts, chubs, shiners, and other minnows, making baitfish-style lures and streamers the most direct imitation. Clouser Minnows (a weighted streamer that imitates a small baitfish) and small Rapala-style crankbaits both draw strikes.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Northern Pikeminnow.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Northern Pikeminnow water
Pick Northern Pikeminnow and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Northern Pikeminnow
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Northern Pikeminnow are.
Open the map, filter by Northern Pikeminnow, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.