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Sacramento Pikeminnow

Sacramento Pikeminnow

The Sacramento Pikeminnow is California's largest native minnow and a formidable apex predator. These warmwater fish tolerate temperatures from 18-28°C and live up to 16 years, becoming sexually mature at 3-4 years.

Scientific Name: Ptychocheilus grandis

Also known as formerly known as Sacramento squawfish

Physical Characteristics:
  • Reaching up to 4.6 feet and 32+ pounds.
  • These elongated fish have flattened heads, large terminal mouths extending beyond their eyes, and deeply forked tails perfectly suited for predation.
  • Adults display dark brown to olive coloration with golden-yellow undersides, while juveniles are silver with dark spots at the tail base.
  • During spawning, they develop orange-reddish fins and males grow breeding tubercles on their heads.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to California's Sacramento-San Joaquin system, Clear Lake basin, Pajaro-Salinas rivers, Russian River, Los Angeles River, and upper Pit River.
  • They've been introduced to the Eel River, Morro Bay tributaries, and Southern California reservoirs.
  • They're abundant in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and throughout the Central Valley watershed, preferring low to mid-elevation streams (100-650m).

Key Locations

  • Sacramento River from Sacramento to Princeton, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (especially Liberty Island, Sherman Lake areas), Feather River, American River, Yuba River, Clear Lake, and New Melones Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Deep pools with cover like undercut banks, logs, and rock ledges where adults hide during the day.
  • Fish dawn and dusk when they move into riffles to feed.
  • In the Delta, target nearshore habitats along river channel edges and flooded agricultural islands.
  • Prefer deep pools, slow runs, undercut banks, and aquatic vegetation.

Sacramento Pikeminnow FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Sacramento Pikeminnow in California?

Live nightcrawlers and cut bait are highly effective, as are crayfish tails, small fish, and stinky baits rubbed with fish oil for scent. Successful artificial lures include spoons, swimbaits, jigs, and topwater lures.

When is the best time to fish for Sacramento Pikeminnow in California?

Late spring through fall when water temperatures are 18-28°C, avoiding April-May spawning periods. Summer and early fall provide the best action.

How do you catch Sacramento Pikeminnow in California?

'Boondoggling' - a local Sacramento method involving side drifting with roe while traveling upstream using a kicker motor, dragging bait along the bottom. Other effective approaches include back trolling, back bouncing, drifting, high-speed trolling, and bottom fishing.

What do Sacramento Pikeminnow eat?

Juveniles under 10cm feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates, transitioning to crustaceans and fish as they grow. Adults over 6 inches become voracious piscivores consuming chinook salmon, minnows, sculpins, frogs, lamprey, stoneflies, crayfish, and even small rodents.

Where do Sacramento Pikeminnow live in California?

Native to California's Sacramento-San Joaquin system, Clear Lake basin, Pajaro-Salinas rivers, Russian River, Los Angeles River, and upper Pit River. They've been introduced to the Eel River, Morro Bay tributaries, and Southern California reservoirs.

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