Northern Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Also called squawfish
A large native minnow species found in Pacific Northwest river systems, characterized by an elongated body and large mouth. Often considered a nuisance species due to predation on salmon and steelhead smolts.
Northern Pikeminnow at a glance
- Scientific name
- Ptychocheilus oregonensis
- Typical size
- 12-24 inches, 2-8 lbs
- Water
- Freshwater
- Habitat
- Freshwater
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Inhabits rivers, reservoirs, and large streams throughout the Columbia River basin and coastal drainages. Anglers often target them during removal programs, using bait fishing techniques in deeper pools and slack water areas.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a northern pikeminnow through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksNorthern Pikeminnow questions people ask
Northern Pikeminnow is Ptychocheilus oregonensis. Anglers also call it squawfish.
A typical northern pikeminnow runs 12-24 inches, 2-8 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every northern pikeminnow you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Inhabits rivers, reservoirs, and large streams throughout the Columbia River basin and coastal drainages. Anglers often target them during removal programs, using bait fishing techniques in deeper pools and slack water areas. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.