Guide To Fishing For Other Freshwater Fish Species

By Rick Seaman

Last updated on September 3, 2025.

These fish may not enjoy the same widespread popularity as some of the primary species featured on this website, they possess a distinct appeal for anglers seeking diverse and specialized fishing experiences. Their distribution often corresponds to specific geographic regions, influenced by factors such as water temperatures, weather patterns, and habitat preferences. As a result, anglers may need to tailor their fishing strategies and travel plans accordingly to target these species successfully.

Fishing For Unique Fish Species

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Fishing For Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

world record: 9 pounds, 6 ounces

A freshwater fish in the pike family easily identified by the "chain-like marking along its sides. It can be found in the northwest, northeast and southeast sections of the USA. Its primary food source is smaller fish and is known to lie in wait to ambush its prey. While it can be eaten it is not considered one of the better sport fishes for table fare. Chain pickerel can be caught on fish-imitation lures and live or cut bait. Watch the sharp teeth when handling.

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Fishing For Muskie - Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

world record: 67 pounds, 8 ounces

Muskie are found primarily the northern and northeastern states. They prefer clear water lakes and streams. Also known as musky, muskie and great pike, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds.Use large lures (salt-water sizes) and heavy line when fishing for muskellunge. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs. They will hit large musky lures and fresh cut bait.

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Fishing For Northern Pike

Esox Lucius

IFGA record: 55 pounds, 1 ounce

The northern pike is a valiant fighter and prefers cool water temperatures. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the northeastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. When fishing for northern pike use bright colored northern pike lures including spinners, fish-imitating lures, jerk-baits or cut bait and concentrate your fishing close to cover.

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Fishing For Tiger Muskie - Muskellunge

Esox lucius ~ Esox masquinongy

USA record: 51 pounds, 3 ounces

Male tiger muskellunge are most often sterile yet some females are fertile. Tiger muskies tend to be smaller than non-hybrid muskies but grow very fast. The body is often quite silvery with brownish fins and tail, without spots but displays broken vertical markings. Like their parent, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures and stout line when fishing for tiger muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs. Tiger muskie typically inhabit swallow areas of lakes and rivers, hanging around outside weed edges and under cover of submerged vegetation. During the summer, when water temperatures warm, large tiger muskies move to cooler and hold on structure. If natural springs are present they are inclined to stay near this cooler water.

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There are other, even less common species of fish, throughout the United States. Most of them experience very little angler attention.

Fishing for other fish, by state

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