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Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fishing covers the lakes, rivers, and streams where you'll find bass, trout, pike, catfish, and panfish across North America. Whether you're planning a trip to a local pond or traveling to a distant watershed, understanding what species live where and when they're most active shapes your success on the water. Each freshwater environment has its own character—cold mountain streams behave nothing like warm southern reservoirs—and knowing those differences helps you prepare the right gear and techniques.
These guides cover where to find specific freshwater species, what seasons and conditions work best, how to access different waters, and what regulations apply in various regions. You'll learn what makes certain lakes or rivers distinctive, what equipment suits different situations, and how to match your skill level to the right destination.
100 articles
- African Glass Catfish: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Care RequirementsLearn about African Glass Catfish: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Care Requirements
- African Knifefish: Behavior, Tank Setup, and Care for Advanced AquaristsLearn about African Knifefish: Behavior, Tank Setup, and Care for Advanced Aquarists
- African Lungfish: Where to Find Them and How They SurviveLearn about African Lungfish: Where to Find Them and How They Survive
- African Pike: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about African Pike: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- African Red Eye Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and BreedingLearn about African Red Eye Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding
- African Red-Eyed Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding GuideLearn about African Red-Eyed Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding Guide
- African Tigerfish: What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Fish for ThemLearn about African Tigerfish: What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Fish for Them
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid: A Small, Colorful Fish for Planted TanksLearn about Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid: A Small, Colorful Fish for Planted Tanks
- Alabama Shad: Where to Fish and What to ExpectLearn about Alabama Shad: Where to Fish and What to Expect
- Sturgeon in Alabama: Where to Find Them and What You Need to KnowLearn about Sturgeon in Alabama: Where to Find Them and What You Need to Know
- Alaska Blackfish: A Guide to Finding and Fishing This Unique Freshwater SpeciesLearn about Alaska Blackfish: A Guide to Finding and Fishing This Unique Freshwater Species
- Alewife: A Landlocked Fish That Thrives in Freshwater Lakes and RiversLearn about Alewife: A Landlocked Fish That Thrives in Freshwater Lakes and Rivers
- Alligator Gar: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Alligator Gar: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Altai Osman: A Central Asian Char for Cold Mountain WatersLearn about Altai Osman: A Central Asian Char for Cold Mountain Waters
- Altum Angelfish: Care, Tank Setup, and What to ExpectLearn about Altum Angelfish: Care, Tank Setup, and What to Expect
- Amago Salmon: Where to Fish and What to ExpectLearn about Amago Salmon: Where to Fish and What to Expect
- Amazon Molly: A Freshwater Fish That Clones ItselfLearn about Amazon Molly: A Freshwater Fish That Clones Itself
- Ameca Splendens: Care, Habitat, and Breeding for the Butterfly SplitfinLearn about Ameca Splendens: Care, Habitat, and Breeding for the Butterfly Splitfin
- American Brook Lamprey: What Anglers and Naturalists Should KnowLearn about American Brook Lamprey: What Anglers and Naturalists Should Know
- American Eel: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about American Eel: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- American Paddlefish: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about American Paddlefish: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- American Shad: Where to Fish and What You Need to KnowLearn about American Shad: Where to Fish and What You Need to Know
- Amistad Gambusia: A Rare Texas Minnow and What Anglers Should KnowLearn about Amistad Gambusia: A Rare Texas Minnow and What Anglers Should Know
- Amur Bitterling: A Small Fish with Unusual Breeding HabitsLearn about Amur Bitterling: A Small Fish with Unusual Breeding Habits
- Amur Catfish: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Amur Catfish: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Amur Dace: A Small, Hardy Fish of Cold Asian WatersLearn about Amur Dace: A Small, Hardy Fish of Cold Asian Waters
- Amur Pike: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Amur Pike: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Amur Sleeper: A Tough Coldwater Fish for Northern AnglersLearn about Amur Sleeper: A Tough Coldwater Fish for Northern Anglers
- Anableps: The Four-Eyed Fish and How to Keep OneLearn about Anableps: The Four-Eyed Fish and How to Keep One
- Angelfish: Species, Tank Setup, and Care for Beginners and Experienced KeepersLearn about Angelfish: Species, Tank Setup, and Care for Beginners and Experienced Keepers
- Angelicus Loach: Care, Tank Setup, and Behavior in the Home AquariumLearn about Angelicus Loach: Care, Tank Setup, and Behavior in the Home Aquarium
- Apache Trout: Where to Find This Rare Native Species and How to Fish for ItLearn about Apache Trout: Where to Find This Rare Native Species and How to Fish for It
- Apistogramma Cichlids: Small, Colorful Fish for Planted TanksLearn about Apistogramma Cichlids: Small, Colorful Fish for Planted Tanks
- Arapaima: The Prehistoric Giant of South American RiversLearn about Arapaima: The Prehistoric Giant of South American Rivers
- Arctic Char: Where to Fish and What to ExpectLearn about Arctic Char: Where to Fish and What to Expect
- Arctic Grayling: Where to Fish and What to ExpectLearn about Arctic Grayling: Where to Fish and What to Expect
- Armored Catfish: Habitat, Behavior, and Where to Catch ThemLearn about Armored Catfish: Habitat, Behavior, and Where to Catch Them
- Arowana: The Freshwater Fish That Demands Space and AttentionLearn about Arowana: The Freshwater Fish That Demands Space and Attention
- Arulius Barb: A Hardy Schooling Fish for Intermediate AquaristsLearn about Arulius Barb: A Hardy Schooling Fish for Intermediate Aquarists
- Ash Meadows Pupfish: The Rarest Fish in North America and Where to See ThemLearn about Ash Meadows Pupfish: The Rarest Fish in North America and Where to See Them
- Asian Arowana: Care, Tank Setup, and What to Expect as an OwnerLearn about Asian Arowana: Care, Tank Setup, and What to Expect as an Owner
- Asian Stone Catfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Behavior in CaptivityLearn about Asian Stone Catfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Behavior in Captivity
- Asian Swamp Eel: What to Know Before You Fish for ThemLearn about Asian Swamp Eel: What to Know Before You Fish for Them
- Atlantic Mudskipper: Habitat, Behavior, and How to Observe ThemLearn about Atlantic Mudskipper: Habitat, Behavior, and How to Observe Them
- Atlantic Salmon: Where to Fish, What to Expect, and How to Catch ThemLearn about Atlantic Salmon: Where to Fish, What to Expect, and How to Catch Them
- Atlantic Sturgeon: Where to Fish for Them and What You Need to KnowLearn about Atlantic Sturgeon: Where to Fish for Them and What You Need to Know
- Australian Arowana: Care, Habitat, and What to Expect in CaptivityLearn about Australian Arowana: Care, Habitat, and What to Expect in Captivity
- Australian Bass: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Australian Bass: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Australian Lungfish: Where to Find Them and How They FishLearn about Australian Lungfish: Where to Find Them and How They Fish
- Australian Smelt: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Australian Smelt: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Axelrodi Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in CaptivityLearn about Axelrodi Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Captivity
- Axelrod's Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in CaptivityLearn about Axelrod's Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Captivity
- Badis Badis: A Tiny Predator for Planted AquariumsLearn about Badis Badis: A Tiny Predator for Planted Aquariums
- Baikal Oilfish: A Deep-Water Species You Won't Find in Most Tackle ShopsLearn about Baikal Oilfish: A Deep-Water Species You Won't Find in Most Tackle Shops
- Baikal Sturgeon: Where to Find Them and What You Need to KnowLearn about Baikal Sturgeon: Where to Find Them and What You Need to Know
- Bala Shark: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Care for Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Bala Shark: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Care for Freshwater Aquariums
- Balloon Molly: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Balloon Molly: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater Aquariums
- Banded Darter: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find ThemLearn about Banded Darter: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find Them
- Banded Gourami: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Banded Gourami: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater Aquariums
- Banded Killifish: Habitat, Behavior, and Where to Find ThemLearn about Banded Killifish: Habitat, Behavior, and Where to Find Them
- Banded Leporinus: Behavior, Habitat, and Care in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Banded Leporinus: Behavior, Habitat, and Care in Freshwater Aquariums
- Banded Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in CaptivityLearn about Banded Rainbowfish: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Captivity
- Bandit Corydoras: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in CaptivityLearn about Bandit Corydoras: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Captivity
- Banjo Catfish: Habitat, Care, and What to Expect in Your TankLearn about Banjo Catfish: Habitat, Care, and What to Expect in Your Tank
- Barb: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Fish for ThemLearn about Barb: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Fish for Them
- Barbel: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Barbel: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Freshwater Barracuda: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Freshwater Barracuda: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Where to Fish for Barramundi in North America and What to ExpectLearn about Where to Fish for Barramundi in North America and What to Expect
- Barramundi Perch: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Barramundi Perch: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Bass Fishing: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Bass Fishing: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Beckford's Pencilfish: A Small, Peaceful Addition to Planted TanksLearn about Beckford's Pencilfish: A Small, Peaceful Addition to Planted Tanks
- Beluga Sturgeon: Where to Fish for North America's Rarest Freshwater GiantLearn about Beluga Sturgeon: Where to Fish for North America's Rarest Freshwater Giant
- Bentosi Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Bentosi Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater Aquariums
- Betta Albimarginata: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in CaptivityLearn about Betta Albimarginata: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Captivity
- Betta Channoides: The Spotted Mouth Brooder for Experienced KeepersLearn about Betta Channoides: The Spotted Mouth Brooder for Experienced Keepers
- Betta Imbellis: The Peaceful Siamese Fighting FishLearn about Betta Imbellis: The Peaceful Siamese Fighting Fish
- Betta Macrostoma: The Striped Mouthbrooder for Experienced KeepersLearn about Betta Macrostoma: The Striped Mouthbrooder for Experienced Keepers
- Betta Mahachai: The Wild Fighter Fish of Thailand's Coastal WatersLearn about Betta Mahachai: The Wild Fighter Fish of Thailand's Coastal Waters
- Betta Fish: What to Expect Before You Bring One HomeLearn about Betta Fish: What to Expect Before You Bring One Home
- Betta Smaragdina: The Emerald Jewel of Southeast Asian WatersLearn about Betta Smaragdina: The Emerald Jewel of Southeast Asian Waters
- Bichir: A Guide to Keeping and Finding These Unusual Freshwater FishLearn about Bichir: A Guide to Keeping and Finding These Unusual Freshwater Fish
- Bighead Carp: What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Bighead Carp: What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Fish for Them
- Bighead Goby: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find ThemLearn about Bighead Goby: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find Them
- Bigmouth Buffalo: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Bigmouth Buffalo: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Bigmouth Shiner: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find ThemLearn about Bigmouth Shiner: Identification, Habitat, and Where to Find Them
- Black Arowana: Care, Tank Setup, and What to ExpectLearn about Black Arowana: Care, Tank Setup, and What to Expect
- Black Bream: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Black Bream: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Black Buffalo: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Black Buffalo: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Black Bullhead: How to Catch Them and Where to Find ThemLearn about Black Bullhead: How to Catch Them and Where to Find Them
- Black Carp: What Anglers Need to Know About This Invasive SpeciesLearn about Black Carp: What Anglers Need to Know About This Invasive Species
- Black Crappie: Where to Fish and How to Catch ThemLearn about Black Crappie: Where to Fish and How to Catch Them
- Black Ghost Knifefish: Care, Behavior, and Tank Setup for Home AquariumsLearn about Black Ghost Knifefish: Care, Behavior, and Tank Setup for Home Aquariums
- Black Lyretail Molly: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in FreshwaterLearn about Black Lyretail Molly: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater
- Black Neon Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Black Neon Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater Aquariums
- Black Phantom Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and BreedingLearn about Black Phantom Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding
- Black Redhorse: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for ThemLearn about Black Redhorse: Where to Find Them and How to Fish for Them
- Black Ruby Barb: A Hardy Schooling Fish for Planted TanksLearn about Black Ruby Barb: A Hardy Schooling Fish for Planted Tanks
- Black Skirt Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater AquariumsLearn about Black Skirt Tetra: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding in Freshwater Aquariums
- Black Velvet Swordtail: Care, Tank Setup, and BreedingLearn about Black Velvet Swordtail: Care, Tank Setup, and Breeding
- African Butterflyfish: Habitat, Care, and What to Expect in Your TankLearn about African Butterflyfish: Habitat, Care, and What to Expect in Your Tank