Skip to main content

Emerald Shiner

Emerald Shiner

Emerald Shiners are small, silvery-green minnows with elongated, slender bodies. In Montana, Emerald Shiners are present but not extensively documented in the state's official fish guides, suggesting limited populations.

These schooling fish are planktivores and are tolerant of various water conditions.

Scientific Name: Notropis atherinoides

Physical Characteristics:

Small, silvery-green minnows with elongated, slender bodies that reach 3-5 inches in length. They're characterized by their large eyes, emerald greenish back, distinct silver lateral band, and white belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Large open rivers, lakes, and reservoirs

Specific Spots

Clear water over sand or gravel substrates, open water areas of larger rivers and lakes, areas where current brings food concentrations

Emerald Shiner FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Emerald Shiner in Montana?

Olive over white marabou Clousers with krystalflash in the lateral area to mimic their silver band and emerald coloration. Murdich minnows tied in emerald shiner colors (silvery-green with olive backs). Kreelex patterns and articulated streamers in appropriate colors.

When is the best time to fish for Emerald Shiner in Montana?

Late spring through early fall when they're most active in Montana's river systems

How do you catch Emerald Shiner in Montana?

Emerald Shiners are primarily valuable as bait fish rather than target species for Montana anglers. The best fishing approach focuses on matching their schooling behavior in open water areas of larger rivers and lakes during their active feeding periods at dawn and dusk.

What do Emerald Shiner eat?

Planktivores, feeding primarily on zooplankton, protozoans, diatoms, and small aquatic and terrestrial insects obtained near the water surface

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Emerald Shiner.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Emerald Shiner water

    Pick Emerald Shiner and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 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.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Emerald Shiner

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Emerald Shiner are.

Open the map, filter by Emerald Shiner, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

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.

Montana licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Montana waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

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.