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Fish Identification

Walleye & Sauger

You need to know the difference between Walleye and Sauger due to differences in length limits.

Walleye

Walleye have a white tip on the lower tail fin; do not have distinct blotches or mottling on the sides; forward (spiny) portion of the dorsal fin has dark streaks or blotches instead of distinct black spots.

Sauger

Sauger do not have a white tip on the lower tail fin; back is crossed with several darker saddles or blotches extending down on both sides; distinct black spots on the forward (spiny) portion of the dorsal fin are aligned in rows.

Iowa’s Pike Family

Lakes and streams may contain Muskellunge and Northern Pike. It is important to know the difference among members of the pike family to obey appropriate size, catch and possession limits.

Northern Pike

Normally a bluish-green to gray on the back with irregular rows of light-colored horizontal bean-shaped spots on the sides. There are five or fewer pores on each side of the lower jaw. The entire cheek and upper half of the gill cover is scaled.

Muskellunge

Usually are olive to dark gray with tiger-like vertical markings on the side. They have 6 to 8 pores on each side of the lower jaw. Only the upper half of both the cheek and gill cover is scaled.

Trout

Rainbow Trout

Olive to greenish-blue above and silvery below with a prominent horizontal red band on the side. There are many small, dark spots on the body, dorsal fin and tail.

photo of a rainbow trout

Brown Trout

Olive to greenish-brown. The large black and reddish-orange spots on the sides of the fish have a pale border. The lower portions of the fish are yellow, fading to gray or white beneath. Browns have few or no spots on the tail fin.

photo of a brown trout

Brook Trout

Vivid white markings on the front edges of the lower fins. They also have light “wormlike” markings on the back. General color: olive to gray-green.

photo of a brook trout

Sturgeon

Lake Sturgeon

Endangered: If caught, release immediately, unharmed.

  • Short snout turns up at end
  • Barbels are not fringedPhoto of a lake sturgeon courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

Pallid Sturgeon

Endangered: If caught, release immediately, unharmed.

  • Outer barbels twice as long as inner barbels
  • Base of barbels “U” shaped, inner two set out in front
  • Smooth bellyphoto of a pallid sturgeon courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

Shovelnose Sturgeon

  • Barbels all the same length
  • Barbels straight across
  • Rarely exceeds 4 pounds
  • Belly is scaled
    photo of a shovelnose sturgeon courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

    Sturgeon images are courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

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