Fish Identification

Bass Identification Chart

Additional information on these and other species can be found at ncwildlife.org/fishing

Largemouth Bass

Found statewide

Smallmouth Bass

Found west of I-77 & in the Uwharrie and Dan rivers

Spotted Bass

Found west of I-77 & Cape Fear River

Alabama Bass (Invasive)

Found statewide

Morone Identification Chart

Striped Bass

Bodie Bass (striped bass hybrid)

White Bass

White Perch

Species Identification Chart

White Crappie

• 5–6 dorsal spines
• 5–10 dark vertical bars on each side
• Best populations found in Piedmont reservoirs and rivers
  

Black Crappie

• 7–8 dorsal spines
• Many dark spots on sides and fins
• Common in large rivers in Coastal Plain, clear ponds, natural lakes and reservoirs
  

Bluegill

• Ear flap entirely black
• Pattern of vertical bars on sides
• Most common sunfish in state
  

Pumpkinseed

• 4–8 wavy lines, often bright blue, on cheek
• Ear flap black with orange-red spot
  

Redbreast Sunfish

• Bluish streaks on cheeks and around eyes
• Long, narrow ear flap entirely black
  

Redear Sunfish

• Commonly called shellcracker
• Red or orange edge along ear flap
• No blue lines along cheeks
  

Roanoke Bass

• Similar shape as rock bass, but is dark olive-green to olive brown
• No scales on cheek
• Only found in Dan, Deep, Neuse, Tar, & Uwharrie rivers
  

Rock Bass

• Olive-green top and gold or brassy-colored sides
• Scales on sides have dark spots, forming striped-like appearance
• Unlike Roanoke bass, have scales on cheeks and dark spot near ear flap
  

Warmouth

• Similar in appearance to rock bass, but has large mouth, similar to bass
• Anal fin has three spines compared to six of rock bass
• Three or four stripes radiate from eyes across to cheek and gill cover
  

Brown Trout

• Golden brown to olive with yellowish sides
• Dark spots circled with light yellow or white on back and sides
• Some fish also have orange or red spots on sides
• Reclusive fish, often hanging out near fallen trees and undercut banks
  

Rainbow Trout

• Broad lateral stripe, pinkish to red, on sides
• Heavy black speckling on entire body
• Prefer faster currents, such as riffles and swift runs
  

Brook Trout

• Sometimes called speckled trout
• Greenish brown with light red spots on sides
• Dark, worm-like lines on back
• White edges on fins, including tail
• Only native trout
  

Yellow Perch

• Greenish-yellow along back with dark bands on sides
• Two separate dorsal fins
• Very sharp edge on gill covering
  

Walleye

• Largest member of perch family
• Found in streams and rivers, but prefer lake environments
• Normally found in depths of 20–60 feet
  

Muskellunge

• Member of pike family
• Sides usually have vertical bars or blotches and fins have spots or streaks
• Has 12–18 small pores underneath the jaw
• Prefers cool rivers and lakes with plentiful woody debris, vegetation and rocky habitat
  

Chain Pickerel

• Close relative of muskellunge
• Named for chain-like pattern on sides
• Black bar beneath eyes distinguishes it from small muskellunge
  

Blue Catfish (Invasive east of Continental Divide)

• Anal fin has straight outer edge and 30–36 rays
• Common in large rivers and often favor faster currents than other catfish
• Because of competition with other species (striped bass) for prey, should not be moved from one waterbody to another
  

Bullhead Catfish

• Five species of bullhead exist in North Carolina—brown (pictured), yellow, black, flat and snail
  

Channel Catfish

• Deeply forked tail with black spots on back and sides
• Anal fin is round with 24–29 rays
• Highly adaptable, living in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs
  

Flathead Catfish (Invasive east of Continental Divide)

• Broad, flat head with lower jaw protruding beyond upper jaw
• Should not be moved from one waterbody to another
• Feeds primarily on live fish and has been associated with declines of several native fish species
  

White Catfish

• Blue-gray above, fading to gray on sides with white belly
• Distinguished from channel catfish by much wider head and lack of black spots on sides
• Aggressive feeders and feed more during daylight than other catfish