Where Does Northern Pikeminnow Live?

Northern Pikeminnow lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Northern Pikeminnow

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, but can inhabit deeper pools and runs.

Environment

Prefers large rivers, streams, and lakes, particularly those with moderate to strong currents. Often found in areas with gravel or cobble substrates, but also utilizes areas with submerged vegetation and woody debris. Tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures and turbidity.

Geographic range

Native to western North America, primarily in the Columbia River Basin, Fraser River Basin, and other coastal drainages from British Columbia, Canada, south to the Lahontan Basin in Nevada and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system in California. Its range includes parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada in the United States.

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