Peamouth Chub
The peamouth chub is BC's most abundant and accessible minnow — a schooling fish of slow rivers, lakes, and brackish backwaters across the Pacific Northwest.
It isn't classified as a sportfish in BC, but it's a genuine gateway species: fast action, willing bites, and schools that number in the hundreds make it a perfect introduction to fishing for kids and beginners along the Fraser and other coastal drainages.
Also known as Peamouth, redmouth sucker, northwestern dace
- Grey-green to black on the back, white belly; yellow-to-orange fins; two dusky stripes run along each side — look for the small barbel at each corner of the mouth.
- During spawning, a vivid red-orange stripe appears along the midside and the corners of the mouth flush reddish — the feature that gives it the name "redmouth."
- Typically 15–25 cm; maximum around 35 cm. No adipose fin, which separates it from trout and salmon at a glance.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to BC and present throughout most of the province's major drainages — Nass, Fraser, Peace, and Columbia river systems all hold peamouth chub.
- Unusually tolerant of diluted saltwater, which has allowed the species to colonize tidal reaches of coastal rivers and some inshore island waters.
- Juveniles hold in shallow, weedy nearshore areas; adults move to deeper water, especially through summer.
- Found in lakes, slow river backwaters, small streams, and brackish tidal zones — wherever current is minimal and cover is available.
Key Locations
- Fraser River, BC — particularly the tidal lower reaches and bar-fishing areas where schools congregate in slack water during high spring flows.
- Nass and Columbia river drainages in BC — both systems support native peamouth populations across lakes and slow-water reaches.
- Peace River drainage, BC — peamouth are present in the slower sections and connected lakes of this northern system.
Specific Spots
- Rock piles, submerged wood, and dock pilings concentrate schools — peamouth use hard structure as a reference point when holding in current or tidal flow.
- Shallow bays with aquatic vegetation hold juveniles and feeding adults during cooler parts of the day; adults push deeper in summer heat.
- On the Fraser, bar anglers targeting salmon regularly encounter peamouth schooled in the slack water just off the main current — the same eddies where roe settles to the bottom.
- Brackish tidal margins near river mouths are productive, particularly where freshwater meets the tidal influence and invertebrate food concentrates.
Peamouth Chub FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Peamouth Chub?
Small pieces of worm or single salmon eggs on a size 10–14 hook are the go-to baits, simple, cheap, and consistently effective for peamouth. Maggots and small dough baits also work well, especially when fishing from shore in lakes or tidal backwaters.
When is the best time to fish for Peamouth Chub?
Spring (April–June), schools are active in shallower water before and during the spawn; one of the most accessible times to find fish near shore. Summer (July–August), adults move deeper; fishing slows in the shallows but tidal backwaters and deeper structure still hold fish.
How do you catch Peamouth Chub?
Shore fishing, dock fishing, and river bank access are the standard approaches in BC. Anglers fish small bait under a float or on a light bottom rig, targeting slack water near structure. The species is most often pursued casually, as a family outing or a way to stay busy on the Fraser when salmon fishing is slow.
What do Peamouth Chub eat?
Adults feed mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, bottom-dwelling bugs, and similar organisms, making small worms, maggots, and tiny jigs natural matches.
Where do Peamouth Chub live?
Native to BC and present throughout most of the province's major drainages, Nass, Fraser, Peace, and Columbia river systems all hold peamouth chub. Unusually tolerant of diluted saltwater, which has allowed the species to colonize tidal reaches of coastal rivers and some inshore island waters.
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