River Chub
Nocomis micropogon
River Chub is a medium-sized North American minnow found in clear, cool to warm streams with gravel or cobble bottoms. Males build large pebble mound nests in shallow riffles, and the species is an important host fish for many freshwater mussels.
Identification points
- Thick dark lips with a blunt snout and large mouth for a minnow
- Black-tipped scales give the sides a peppered or dusky look
- Breeding males develop a fleshy, tubercled snout and build large pebble nests
Habitat
Clear to slightly turbid medium to large streams and river runs with moderate to swift current, especially over gravel, cobble, and small boulders; often in riffles, runs, and pool tails in the eastern and central United States.
Bait notes
Small live baits work best: earthworms, red wigglers, maggots, and tiny pieces of worm or insect larvae. Small nymphs, micro-jigs, and bare hooks tipped with bait can also take them; they are not a common sport target.
Behavior
Omnivorous and mostly bottom-oriented, feeding on algae, aquatic insects, plant material, and small invertebrates. In breeding season males construct conspicuous stone nests that attract other minnows and serve as spawning sites.
Caution
none notable
Fishing notes
Fish light tackle with tiny hooks, light line, and a small split shot or float near riffles and run edges. Present bait near the bottom around gravel and cobble, especially close to chub nests in spring and early summer.