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Northern Pikeminnow

Northern Pikeminnow

Northern Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis), formerly called Northern Squawfish, are Idaho's largest native minnow and a formidable predator found throughout the Snake River system and northern Idaho waters.

Scientific Name: Ptychocheilus oregonensis

Also known as Northern Squawfish (former name)

Physical Characteristics:
  • These pike-like fish are distinguished by their elongated bodies, large terminal mouths extending back to the eye, and deeply forked tails with a prominent dark spot at the base.
  • They lack the obvious teeth of walleye but are effective predators despite having no teeth at all.
  • In Idaho waters, they can reach impressive sizes - commonly 12-24 inches with weights over 7 pounds reported, and maximum sizes approaching 30+ inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Northern Pikeminnow are native to the Pacific slope drainages.
  • They prefer lakes and slow-moving waters, with young often schooling in shallow areas near shorelines.
  • They're highly mobile and can adapt to various habitat conditions from deep river channels to shallow sloughs, making them successful in Idaho's diverse water systems.

Key Locations

  • Northern Pikeminnow are found throughout Idaho's Columbia River tributaries, including the Pend Oreille River system, Lake Pend Oreille, Payette Lake, and extensively throughout the Snake River drainage.
  • In Idaho, productive waters include Lake Cascade (where they were a significant predation problem on yellow perch), Payette Lake, the Snake River system, and northern Idaho lakes like Pend Oreille.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like rocky areas with current near dams, islands, stream mouths, points, eddies, and underwater ledges.
  • Targeting bars, ridges, ledges by islands, and areas around dam tailraces.
  • They typically spawn in gravelly areas of streams or shallow littoral zones of lakes.

Northern Pikeminnow FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Pikeminnow in Idaho?

For lure fishing, lipless crankbaits with rattles and diving crankbaits with large lips are most effective, particularly in blue, green, or black color schemes. For bait fishing, nightcrawlers are the most popular choice, followed by fresh chicken liver kept cold.

What flies work for Northern Pikeminnow in Idaho?

Fly anglers should focus on streamer patterns that imitate baitfish - larger patterns in natural colors work well, with subsurface presentations being most effective.

When is the best time to fish for Northern Pikeminnow in Idaho?

Northern Pikeminnow fishing peaks during late spring through early fall, with the best action occurring from late May through June and again in September-October as water temperatures moderate. Northern Pikeminnow spawn from May through early July (avoid targeting during this period).

How do you catch Northern Pikeminnow in Idaho?

Troll these lures at 2-3 mph downstream near bottom structure. From shore, cast upstream or straight out, counting down sinking lures to reach proper depth. Back-bouncing and drift-fishing techniques work well from boats.

What do Northern Pikeminnow eat?

Their diet varies significantly with size - juveniles under 12 inches feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates like chironomids and zooplankton, while adults become increasingly piscivorous, feeding heavily on other fish including yellow perch, sculpins, suckers, and unfortunately for salmon recovery efforts, juvenile...

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