Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Minnows > Northern Pikeminnow
Northern Pikeminnow - Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 3
General Description
The predaceous Northern Pikeminnow is native to Montana west of the Continental Divide. It is somewhat pike-like in appearance with its large mouth and elongated body. Northern Pikeminnow prefer lakes and slow-moving waters. They are considered to be highly undesirable in some situations because they feed on young sport fish. They are effective predators despite their lack of teeth. Northern Pikeminnow are among the largest native North American minnows. Weights of over 7 pounds have been reported in Montana, with weights of nearly 30 pounds reported from Canada. Northern Pikeminnow are readily caught on bait, fly, or lure and put up a good fight but are poor table fare. (FWP) Generally 21-30 cm SL(length); may reach length of 63 cm and mass of 13 kg.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Back dark greenish, silvery below. Young have prominent dark spot at base of tail fin. No barbels.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Some Northern Pikeminnow migrate from lakes into tributary streams to spawn.
Habitat
Prefers lakes and slow - flowing streams of moderate size. Young usually school in shallow water near lake shores and in quiet backwaters of streams (Weisel 1957, Brown 1971).
Food Habits
Most kinds of aquatic invertebrates. Adults frequently eat small fish. Considered a serious predator on young salmon and trout (Brown 1971, Gould pers. comm.).
Ecology
Has increased dramatically in Lake Koocanusa after Libby dam was built, but they may be decreasing in the river below the dam due to low spring water temperatures causing delayed spawing (May and Huston 1979, Huston et al. 1984).
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature 5-6 yrs. Spawns May-early July over gravelly areas in streams or lakes. No patental care (Brown 1971, Weisel 1957). Spawned late May-early June at 55-65 degrees F. in Blackfoot River study (Hill 1958).
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Northern Pikeminnow — Ptychocheilus oregonensis. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on January 31, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCJB35030.aspx
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