What it looks like
- light yellow body
- 6 to 8 dark, vertical bands on sides
- 2 separate dorsal fins
- large mouth, extending to below the middle of the eye
Size
- length: 15-30 centimetres (6-12 inches)
- weight: 0.35 kilograms (0.75 pounds)
- Ontario record: 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds)
Similar fish
Where it is found
Range
- widely distributed throughout the province
- use Fish ON-Line, an interactive mapping tool, to find specific lakes and rivers
Habitat
- tolerate a variety of temperatures and habitats
- prefer areas of open water and moderate vegetation
- share habitat with walleye and bass
Find a fishing spot with Fish ON-Line
Angling Tips
- plentiful near shore after ice-out in late April and May
- summer fishing is best at weed lines and large, flat sandy or silty areas with scattered vegetation near deeper water
- comfortable in bright light – do not see well in dim light
- feed in schools
- begin in mid-morning, feed off and on throughout the day, and break up in the evening
- usually found near the bottom
Common baits
- light slip-sinker rigs
- split-shot and a hook with a worm or small minnow
- small spinners, tube jigs or twister tails
- small minnows, earthworms
- flies, grasshoppers, other insects