Some common freshwater fish caught in North Carolina

caught in North Carolina Ranks second only to the largemouth bass in popularity. Very similar to white crappie (ftmioxis nigromaeulutus). Both species good to eat. HABITAT: Warmwatcr lakes, rivers and some ponds. SIZE: Averages V: pound or less, but may exceed 4 pounds. FOODS: Small Fish, especially minnows, freshwater shrimp, some insects. FISHING: Small minnows; artificial lures such as small jigs, spinners and streamer flics. Rainbow Trout (Onc^iynchus туйй) Most common mountain trout species; native of Pacific coast. Good to eat. HABITAT: Coldwater mountain streams, lakes and ponds. SIZE: Averages 6 to 10 inches, but may exceed 40 pounds. FOODS: Insects, minnows and crayfish FISHING: Wsrms, fish eggs, cheese balls, com and tiny marshmallows; artificial lures such as flies, small spinners, spoons, lures and jigs. Bluegill Щр от is macro enm^^ Frequently called N>rcam," and often confused with several similar species of panfish. Good to ear. HABITAT: Warm- water lakes, ponds and rivers statewide. SIZE: Averages less than Vb pound, but may exceed 4 pounds. FOODS: Insects, fish eggs, small crayfish and small fish. FISHING: Crickets and red worms; artificial lures such as small flics or popping bugs and small spinners or jigs. Largemoutlf Bass (Micropterus salmoults) Favorite freshwater species of North Carolina anglers. Good to cat. HABITAT: Warmwatcr lakes, ponds and rivers state¬ wide. SIZE: Averages 1 to 2 pounds, but may exceed 20 pounds. FOODS: Minnows, small panfish, crayfish, frogs and insects, but will eat almost anything including snakes and baby muskrats FISHING: Live minnows and worms, also artificial lures such as plugs, spinners, plastic worms and (Micropterus salmoults) spoons. SmallmoutnBass ( Microptcrus dolomieui ) Appearance similar to the largemouth bass, bur has slightly smaller mouth and color that is often greenish bronze. Good to eat. HABITAT: Mountain lakes, rivers and srreams, but prefers somewhat warmer water than trout. SIZE: Avcraprs about a pound in lakes, smaller in rivers, but may exceed II pounds. FOODS: Minnows, crayfish, salamanders and sometimes insects. FISHING: Live minnows, crayfish, salamanders and nightcrawlers; also artificial lures such as small plugs, spinners, jigs and plastic worms. Striped raEs (M опте soxutilis) Also called rockfish. Good to cat. HABITAT: Anadromous (normally lives in salt or brackish water in the ocean or large sounds, and spawns in freshwater rivers). Landlocked in many large warmwatcr lakes in the state. SIZE: Averages 5 to 10 pounds, but may exceed 60 pounds in lakes; larger in salt water. FOODS: Shad, herring, golden shiners and other fish. FISHING: Live threadfin shad, cut bait and bloodworms; artificial lures such as plugs, spoons and jigs. W &ГСН Channel Catl^ l Ictalurus punc tutus) Most popular of numerous catfish species. Good to cat. HABITAT: Warmwatcr lakes, ponds and rivers statewide. SIZE: Averages 2 to 3 pounds, but may exceed 30 pounds. FOODS: Minnows, fish eggs, crayfish and insects. FISHING: Live minnows, cut bait, worms, “stinkbaits" and chicken livers; occasionally artificial lures such as plugs, plastic worms and even flies.