Hornyhead Chub
Nocomis biguttatus
Hornyhead Chub (*Nocomis biguttatus*) is a stout minnow of clear, cool streams in central North America, best known for the male’s head tubercles and nest-building with pebbles. It is not a major game fish, but it’s a useful bait species and often found over gravel runs and riffles.
Identification points
- Short, deep-bodied minnow with a blunt head and small mouth
- Dark spots or blotches on the sides, often with a dusky lateral stripe
- Breeding males develop conspicuous head tubercles and a swollen, roughened forehead
Habitat
Small to medium clear streams and rivers with moderate current, especially gravel and cobble riffles, runs, and pool tails; usually over clean substrates in upland or prairie drainage systems.
Bait notes
Takes tiny hooks baited with worms, maggots, salmon eggs, dough balls, or bits of insect larvae; small spinners, microjigs, and fly nymphs also work when they are active.
Behavior
Forms small schools and feeds on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, algae, and detritus. Breeding males build conspicuous pebble nests in shallow flowing water and guard spawning sites.
Caution
none notable
Fishing notes
Fish light tackle along gravel runs and riffle edges near the bottom with a drifted bait or small jig; in spring, target nest-building areas in shallow current where males hold station.