List of Fish Species in Fort Peck Lake (Updated)

Fish Species in Fort Peck Lake

1) Buffalo (Ictiobus spp.)

Fish in the Ictiobus genus are commonly called “buffalo” and should not be confused with mammals with the same common name. Buffalos have round heads, a single dorsal fin with an anterior peak, and a rounded caudal fin with a deep fork. Two species are present at Fort Peck Lake, the bigmouth buffalo (I. cyprinellus) and the smallmouth buffalo (I. bubalus). Both species are lightly colored, usually silver to beige, and can be large fish with an average weight of 25 lbs (11.3 kgs) and 45 lbs (20.4 kg) and lengths of 14 inches (35.6 cm) and 23 inches (58.4 cm) for the bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo species, respectively.

The two species differ in dietary needs as well as size. Smallmouths eat shellfish and algae, using bony plates in the back of their throat to grind food items, whereas bigmouths eat zooplankton and algae they filter from the water column. Both species are uncommon to reel using a rod but may be caught in a cast or gill net.

2) Common sunfish (Lepomis spp.)

Several sunfish species are present in Fort Peck Lake, including the introduced green sunfish (L. cyanellus) and bluegill (L. macrochirus), just to name a few. Both are small sunfish compared to the black basses (Micropterus spp.) which are also present at Fort Peck Lake. Small sunfish are popular panfish often stocked in lakes and reservoirs for recreational fishing. To distinguish bluegill from green sunfish, an angler only has to look at the color of the fish.

Bluegills have brown bodies and fins tipped with blue and orange, and males are more colorful than females and have reddish chests. Comparatively, green sunfish have an iridescent, blue-speckled pattern and an ear spot just above their pectoral fin. They also have yellow to white edging along their pelvic and anal fins. Additionally, green sunfish are around 7.9 inches (20 cm) in length, whereas bluegill average 7 to 15 inches (18 to 38 cm).

These species are colonial nest spawners, a trait characteristic of Lepomis sunfish; this means that large males can often be found in groups during the breeding season in the spring and summer. Anglers can target these colonies and catch multiple large bluegill and green sunfish. While they are not particularly picky, one source suggests placing live bait such as a worm or crickets on a bobber rig.

3) Black basses (Micropterus spp.)

Black basses like the smallmouth and largemouth basses are another type of sportfish introduced to Fort Peck Lake to improve the area’s recreational fishing quality. These basses are among the United States’ most famous and commercially important sportfish due to their large size, aggressive temperament, and excellent table fare. While the smallmouth bass maxes out at around 27 inches (69 cm), the largemouth bass can reach lengths of up to 38 inches (97 cm).

These species will hide amongst aquatic plants to ambush unsuspecting prey items, so anglers should target these river areas to catch one. Such prey items might include other fish, amphibians, leeches, insects, small mammals, and birds. Like the common sunfish, these species construct large nests, and the males will protect the nest after spawning in the spring. However, unlike their common sunfish relatives, black basses are solitary nesters and do not form nesting colonies.

Anglers may harvest up to 15 smallmouth bass per day in Montana; largemouth bass have more restrictions. Anglers may only harvest 5 largemouth bass per day except from mid-May to June 30^th, when only one fish may be harvested per day, and it must be over 22 inches (56 cm).

4) Crappies (Pomoxis spp.)

The black (P. nigromaculatus) and white (P. annularis) crappies are present in the Fort Peck Reservoir, although only the black crappie is native to the area. Both species are popular panfish and are exciting for anglers of all ages to catch. Black crappies are small, dark-colored sunfish with a mottled pattern, whereas white crappie lacks this mottled pattern and are lighter in color. One can distinguish black crappie from white crappie by counting the dorsal spines supporting the dorsal fin. For example, black crappies have 7 – 8, whereas white crappies only have 5 – 6. They are not difficult to catch and can be fished using a variety of rigs like classic bobbers and spider rigging.

Black and white crappies also have different habitat preferences. Black crappies prefer clear water and areas with abundant submerged vegetation, whereas white crappies are not as picky. Both species are adept predators, actively hunting for small fish and invertebrates during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. White crappies lay their eggs on aquatic vegetation, while black crappies are nest spawners. Male black crappies take on the responsibility of constructing a nest within the sediment of a water body, providing a haven for females to deposit their eggs. Displaying moments of dedicated parental care, the males diligently protect the eggs laid by the females within their nests for a period of approximately five days.

There is no limit on crappie at Fort Peck Lake.

5) Brown trout (Salmo trutta)

The brown trout prefers slower rivers than other trout and are nocturnal predators of crayfish and other large invertebrates. Brown trout can be distinguished from rainbow trout by the presence of lighter halos around dark spots along their body. Rainbow trout lack these halos.

Brown trout are popular sport fish introduced in the 1880s and are routinely stocked in American rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to improve the angling quality of lakes and rivers. Their spawning season starts in the fall and ends in winter. During this season, adults will migrate up small streams to find a safe habitat to lay their eggs, and fishing can yield some large adults. On average, adult brown trout measure 12 to 20 inches (30 – 51 cm), making them quite a sizeable catch.

Up to 5 brown trout may be harvested from Fort Peck Lake; this limit includes many other trout species.

6) Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Another introduced salmon, the Chinook salmon, is routinely stocked in Fort Peck Lake. The Chinook salmon is the largest Pacific salmon species, with an average length of around 36 inches (91 cm) and a maximum length of 58 inches (147.32 cm). As a result, this species is the most expensive at fish markets; this fact, coupled with its rarity (compared to other salmon species), earns it the title of “King Salmon.” The filet from Chinook salmon is more melt-in-your-mouth than different types of salmon due to its higher fat content.

Generally, Chinook salmon are silver-colored with dark flecks along their dorsal surface and some red coloration on their dorsal fin. However, during the breeding season, breeding adults turn remarkably dark, with red blushing all over the body. From May to July, adult Chinook salmon between three and seven years travel upriver from the sea to spawn. Anadromous individuals travel back to their natal streams, using their keen sense of smell and nearly all their energy reserves to get there.

In some areas, Chinook salmon have been intentionally introduced as a sportfish and are known to compete with native trout species. Additionally, some populations of Chinook salmon have become landlocked, especially those introduced to the Great Lakes region. These populations use the Great Lakes instead of the ocean and spawn in connected rivers.

Anglers may harvest up to 5 Chinook salmon at Fort Peck Lake daily.

7) Steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

While it can be found worldwide thanks to intentional stocking efforts, O. mykiss is only native to the West Coast, coastal Alaska, and parts of eastern Russia. This salmon is a large species with an average length of around 24 inches (61 cm).

The anadromous steelhead spends about 1 to 3 years in its natal streams before going to the ocean, typically sticking around in freshwater longer than coho or sockeye salmon. Once in the sea, they prey upon fish and cephalopods, and in maturity, they make their way back to where they were born to begin the cycle anew. Landlocked O. mykiss are usually called rainbow trout and do not migrate to the ocean. Many populations successfully reproduce in streams that do not have access to the sea.

Up to 5 rainbow trout may be harvested from Fort Peck Lake; this limit includes many other trout species.

8) Black bullhead (Ameiurus melas)

Like larger catfish and some trout species, the black bullhead is sometimes intentionally introduced into lakes and reservoirs but not as sport fish. Rather, these small catfish are a useful food source for larger sportfish and are stocked to support a large sportfishing population. Black bullheads were first introduced into Fort Peck Lake in 1970 and have remained in the reservoir.

As their name suggests, black bullheads are dark in color with yellow-olive underbellies. They tolerate pollution, anoxic conditions, and elevated water temperatures. One strategy they use to avoid terrible water conditions is to submerge themselves in the soft mud until poor conditions have passed. They can be found in warm, turbid water bodies with soft, muddy substrates, and they prefer slow currents but do not do well in areas with other predatory fish.

Usually, black bullheads are not fished for eating purposes, but they make great baitfish, so long as they are handled carefully. Most catfish possess venomous spines that can cause swelling and pain if they sting a person.

9) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Fort Peck Lake is known for its massive channel catfish. The average length for this species is 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm), although individuals at Fort Peck Lake can be up to 41.75 inches (106 cm)! The channel catfish thrives in clear streams and can tolerate turbid water. They are sometimes found in the depths of reservoirs and lakes, especially when they are stocked into these water bodies like Fort Peck Lake.

This species has a forked tail and a round anal fin instead of a straight one. They are also grey, and their filets are edible. Remember that channel catfish have venomous spines on their fins, which can cause irritation and pain like the black bullhead. The National Parks Service suggests using live fish and nightcrawlers to catch a catfish but luckily, they will accept a variety of meat-based baits, from squid and shrimp to hotdogs and processed baits, making them generally easy to catch.

Up to 10 channel catfish may be harvested per angler per day.

10) Burbot (Lota lota)

Burbots are long and snake-like with smooth skin and a single chin barbel. This species can be confused with freshwater eels and catfish, but eels do not have barbels, and catfish have two or more. Additionally, a burbot lacks the adipose fin seen in most catfish and has two dorsal fins, whereas an eel only has one continuous fin along its back.

They prefer cold water, including large rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, and are a bit reclusive, hiding amongst rocks and vegetation. Burbots are primarily nocturnal, so a fisherman looking to catch one should aim to do so at night. Young burbots consume invertebrates, while adults are aggressive carnivores; their aggression makes them delightful and challenging to fish.

Anglers may harvest up to 5 burbots per day from Fort Peck Lake.

11) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)

Freshwater drums are usually found in large rivers and impoundments and prefer the sluggish current in these habitats. This species has a deep, humped back. It also has two dorsal fins and a rounded caudal fin, distinguishing this species from carp and members of the Catostomidae (suckers) family, which have forked caudal fins. Another defining characteristic of the freshwater drum is a complete lateral line extending into its caudal fin. On average, anglers can expect to reel in a freshwater drum that is around 15 inches (38 cm) in length. Generally, drums are less popular than other sportfish species but make decent table fare.

The most striking feature of the freshwater drum is its unusual teeth which look like a series of molars and are specially designed to crack open sturdy mollusk shells. These teeth are not uncommon in other fish species, but they are particularly pronounced in freshwater drums. In addition, this species can produce a deep, throaty noise that they use to scare off predators and communicate. This action is possible because they have special muscles to vibrate their swim bladder.

12) Northern pike (Esox lucius)

Northern pikes are formidable ambush predators with an arrow-like or sagittiform body shape. These impressive creatures typically reach an average length of approximately 16 inches (41 cm). However, some individuals (usually females) can grow over 40 inches (102 cm)! Their mottled green coloration helps them hide amongst aquatic vegetation. This species has a grey or green body with a white belly and distinctive white blotching and orange tinting.

This species is common in lakes and reservoirs and migrates to streams to spawn. Eggs are broadcast over weed beds between March and May. During the breeding season, it is best to target northern pike in streams and shorelines; otherwise, they are commonly found near areas with dense submerged vegetation.

Anglers can keep up to 10 northern pike per day.

13) Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)

This next species is found only in the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes and is considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List in some ranges. They are giant fish and can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long. Their planktivorous diet helps them reach a large size by ensuring they always have a source of food available, and their long nose, or rostrum, is populated with sensitive electroreceptors that allow the paddlefish to sense electrical impulses on prey. In the last century, paddlefish populations have dwindled, resulting in protective legislation to reduce further decline. Threats to paddlefish populations include channelization, pollution, and fishing pressures.

Montana has a limited paddlefish season, and any paddlefish harvested during this season must be reported to the local fish and wildlife office. At Fort Peck Lake, the hunting season for paddlefish runs from July 1^st to August 31^st and they may only be caught using a bow and arrow. Additionally, anglers must have the appropriate tag available for their catch. There is a strict limit of one paddlefish per angler (with a proper tag) per season.

14) Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)

Paddlefish and sturgeon belong to an ancient group of fish whose fossils date back to the Jurassic period. Pallid sturgeon have boney scutes and a heterocercal tail, typical of ancient fish lineages. They can be found in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and connected waterways. While their close relatives, the lake sturgeon, might be giants with a record size of 8 feet (2.4 m), the pallid sturgeon is much smaller and is usually between 30 and 72 inches (76 to 183 cm), with females being much larger than males.

While catching a fish this large might sound exciting, the IUCN Red List considers sturgeon among Earth’s most endangered groups. Loss of habitat, particularly spawning grounds, has resulted in a severe reduction in sturgeon populations. As a result, the harvest of lake sturgeon is either entirely illegal or strictly regulated: it is illegal to harvest sturgeon from Fort Peck Lake.

15) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

One of the most invasive fish species, the common carp, is in Fort Peck Lake. These carp are large, approximately 12 to 25 inches (30 to 64 cm) in length, and weigh 8 to 10 lbs (3.6 to 4.5 kg). While their size may sound enticing to anglers–they were originally introduced in the 1800s as a commercial fish–the common carp is generally undesirable due to its bony filet, making it difficult to clean compared to species like the largemouth bass or rainbow trout.

Unfortunately, the common carp is one of the most disastrous fish introduced to the United States. This species is omnivorous, consuming both plants and small invertebrates. In search of food, it digs up gravel beds and uproots native plants, converting otherwise clear streams into murky messes that are unsuitable habitats for many native species.

There is no limit on common carp at Fort Peck Lake.

16) Cisco (Coregonus artedi)

The cisco was introduced to Fort Peck Lake in 1984 and is native to the United States and Canada glacial lakes. This species is a simple, silver fish with a forked caudal fin. They form large schools during the day to confuse predators and hunt for small invertebrates.

Ciscos make a great food source for larger piscivorous fish species like trout and pike, so they are often stocked in lakes to improve forage for these species. Humans can eat this species, and it reportedly has a buttery texture. They are a significant commercial fish in the Great Lakes region, where they are harvested for their flesh and oils.

17) Sauger (Sander canadensis)

The sauger is a highly predatory fish that looks like that of another perch species, the walleye. Saugers exhibit a striking blotchy pattern and display consistent patterning on their caudal fin, while walleye, in contrast, showcase a distinct clear patch along the bottom edge of their caudal fin and generally lack blotches on their bodies.

Cold, flowing, turbid water is perfect for a sauger. During the spawning season, adult saugers will migrate to spawning locations where they scatter their eggs over a rock bed, leaving them to fend for themselves. Young saugers are almost exclusively invertivores, but adults are prolific piscivores. Saugers are skillful predators, possessing a mouth full of teeth, eyes well adapted to low-light levels, and a sensitive lateral line that allows them to sense the movement of prey in the water.

Anglers may harvest up to 5 walleye and sauger combined, and only 2 of those fish may be sauger.

18) Walleye (Sander vitreus)

This species spawns in the spring and summer, and breeding events are triggered when the water temperature is between 38°F and 50°F (3°C and 10°C). They spawn at night over rocky substrates in swift waters. Walleyes are known to hybridize with saugers to produce saugeyes. Saugers and saugeyes can be distinguished by examining the base of the spiny dorsal fin and the tip of the caudal fin. Walleyes should have a black spot towards the rear of their spiny dorsal fin and a whitish tip on the lower portion of the caudal fin.

Walleyes can be fished traditionally in the summer or caught during the winter during the ice fishing season. Anglers may harvest up to 5 walleye and sauger combined and only 2 of those fish may be sauger.

19) Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

What yellow perch lack in size, they make up for in range and abundance as they have one of the largest native and introduced ranges of any of the perches. The native range of the yellow perch extends as far south as Louisiana and north into Canada. Therefore, it can be found throughout most of Canada and the northeastern United States. This species prefers lakes and avoids extremely cold or warm weather. In addition, they are tolerant of hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions.

The yellow perch diet consists of invertebrates and small fish. This species thrives in both freshwater and brackish water environments, showcasing an impressive ability to adapt to varying habitat conditions. They typically spawn from April to May when the waters are warm and have a high reproductive rate. In their introduced range, they often eat native fish and compete with them for food, which places pressure on native fish populations and can cause the collapse of native fish species, like trout.