Spotfin Shiner
Cyprinella spiloptera
The spotfin shiner is a small North American minnow found in clear to moderately turbid streams and rivers, often over sand, gravel, or riffles. Males develop a dark spot on the dorsal fin and can show blue-green sheen during spawning.
Identification points
- Small silvery minnow with a narrow, streamlined body and forked tail
- Distinct dark spot on the front of the dorsal fin, especially in males
- Breeding males develop bluish to green iridescence and dark fin margins
Habitat
Small to medium rivers, creeks, and tributaries with moderate current, clean gravel or sand bottoms, and cover near riffles, runs, and pool margins; also found in some reservoirs and lowland streams.
Bait notes
For angling, tiny hooks and light line work best. Take on small worms, maggots, bread, dough balls, crushed insects, and micro-jigs or small spinners; it is mainly a bait-size panfish/minnow rather than a standard game fish.
Behavior
An active schooling species that feeds on drifting insects, small crustaceans, algae, and other fine foods in the water column and near the surface. Spawns in late spring and summer, with males guarding crevices or rocks and showing bright breeding colors.
Caution
none notable
Fishing notes
Fish shallow runs, riffle edges, and current seams with a small float, split shot, and a short leader. Slow drifts and subtle presentations outfish heavy tackle; they often school, so once one is found, more are usually nearby.