1. The Good Guys

2. Bullhead family Watch out for barbells….they will sting you Tolerate low oxygen levels

3. Bluegill (Sunfish) Most popular fish in Minnesota 1 lb sunny is a big Bluegill

4. Bowfin (Dogfish) Rough fish Survive in murky waters No predators

5. Brook Trout Native to Minnesota Found in Whitewater river (need clean water)

6. Brown trout Introduced in early 1900’s Thrive in warmer water than lake or brook Found throughout SE Minnesota Also spawns in late fall

7. Let’s make a JIG!

8. Northern Pike Ambush prey……lie in weeds Mistaken for musky “Y” bone make it hard to eat

9. Muskellunge Eat fish, ducklings, and muskrats Tiger musky – musky/northern hybrid State record = 54 lbs One musky/10,000 casts

10. Smallmouth Bass Red eyes Mouth extends in front of eye

11. Largemouth Bass Use smell to eat Back of mouth extends past eye

12. Lake Sturgeon Minnesota’ biggest fish! Covered in plates not scales Mouth is on bottom of its head Live to 150 years old.

13. Freshwater Drum AKA – sheepshead Males grunt to attract mates Eggs float – good distribution through river/lake 300,000 caught commercially in Miss. River/year

14. Crappie Black & white species found in MN Soft-mouthed makes for tough fishing Very good eating. Most caught fish behind sunfish.

15. Common Carp Member of the minnow family Minnesota record = 55 lbs. DNR trying to reduce populations in some lakes Eat by slurping up mud and spitting out liquids. This leads to sediment increase in clear lakes.

16. Flathead Catfish Male protects eggs & young Noodling (popular in south) ***Noodling Video***Noodling Video

17. Sauger AKA – sandpike Smaller than walleye Found in border rivers – Mississippi Not stocked in MN Spots on dorsal – top fin

18. Yellow Perch Cousin to walleye Panfish Main food of walleye Used to be no limit – that’s changed Jumbo perch

19. Long-nosed Gar Known for sharp teeth & aggressiveness Can live in warm water w/ low oxygen Found in Mississippi Eggs are poisonous to humans

20. Walleye Official state fish Glassy pupils – needed for deep water. Great eating!

21. Lake Trout Largest of North American Trout Grows to 10 lbs or more Begin spawning at 6 years of age Sea Lamprey in Lake superior have decreased Lake trout species Do well in very deep water (80+ feet)