Common Freshwater Fish in New York Part 6

Black Crappie

Grows 8-12 inches long; occasionally larger. With exception of the Adirondacks, common in waters across the state. Prefer clear, quiet areas of lakes, ponds and larger rivers with abundant vegetation. Eat small fish and insects.

Brown Bullhead

Averages 8-14 inches long. Easily recognizable by its broad, flat head and dark barbels (whiskers) around face. Has sharp spines on dorsal and pectoral fins. Very adaptable, it is the most common catfish in New York, found in cool Adirondack lakes, but most abundant in warm water ponds, lakes and larger, slow moving streams. Night time bottom feeder, uses barbels to locate food, including insects, snails, worms and small fish.

Common Carp

Large fish, carp average 15-20 inches long, but can grow to over 40 pounds in weight. Have large, heavy scales and two short barbels (whiskers). Found across the state except in cold trout streams and lakes. Prefers slow moving water with a soft bottom. Adults eat a variety of plant and animal material, often stirring up a cloud of mud as they feed.

Common Freshwater Fish in New York Part 5

Walleye

Largest member of the perch family, averages 10-25 inches long. Found in every major watershed in New York except on Long Island. Prefers deep water sections of large lakes, streams and rivers. Have large, light-sensitive eyes to locate food in poor light. Large canine teeth used to catch favorite food of fish. Most active at night.

Yellow Perch

Grows 6-12 inches long. Easily distinguished by the 5-9 black vertical bars on their yellow sides. Important panfish, common across New York in a variety of habitats, but prefers shallow, weedy protected sections of rivers, lakes and ponds. Eat variety of organisms including aquatic insects, crayfish and fish. Popular with ice fishing anglers.

White Perch

New York’s smallest member of the temperate bass family, white perch average 6-12 inches long. Can live in both fresh and saltwater. Are native to brackish water, but now also occur in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Found in several waters across the state, including the Hudson River, the Great Lakes and the Seneca and Mohawk river systems. Often occur in large schools in turbid, shallow areas. Adults eat fish and insects.