Fish Identification
Welcome to the ultimate Fish Identification Guide for freshwater and saltwater species across the United States. Whether you’re an angler, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about aquatic life, this guide makes it easy to identify fish by appearance, habitat, size, and scientific name.
Our interactive fish database includes bass, sunfish, crappie, trout, catfish, perch, and hundreds of other freshwater and saltwater species. You can filter fish by state, habitat, and seasonal availability, making it the perfect resource for fishing trips, biology studies, and conservation efforts. Each fish profile includes high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, scientific classifications, and common fishing techniques used to catch them.
Whether you’re searching for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Rock Bass, White Bass, or rare species in your area, this fish identification tool helps you learn faster, fish smarter, and explore U.S. waters like never before.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides)
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) is a popular and widely distributed freshwater game fish known for its aggressive strikes and fighting ability. Recognizable by its… Read More
Rock Bass (Ambloplites Rupestris)
The Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) is a stocky sunfish with olive to golden-brown coloration, dark mottling, and bright red eyes. Found in lakes, rivers, streams,… Read More
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu)
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), often called the “bronze back,” is a powerful freshwater sportfish known for its hard fights and acrobatic jumps. Native to… Read More
White Bass (Morone Chrysops)
The White Bass (Morone chrysops) is a schooling freshwater gamefish native to the Mississippi River basin and Great Lakes. Known for its silver body with… Read More
Wiper (Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops)
The Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops) is a powerful hybrid created by crossing striped bass with white bass. Designed for fast… Read More
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widespread and adaptable freshwater fish in North America, thriving in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs… Read More
Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
This Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) guide provides a complete overview of one of North America’s most commonly stocked and frequently misunderstood freshwater fish. It explains… Read More
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
The Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a small, round freshwater fish known for its olive-green body, vertical bars, and distinctive black gill flap. Commonly found in… Read More
Flier Sunfish (Centrarchus Macropterus)
The Flier Sunfish (Centrarchus macropterus) is a small but striking freshwater sunfish native to the southeastern United States. Easily recognized by its elongated body, large… Read More
Green Sunfish (Lepomis Cyanellus)
The Green Sunfish (Lepomis Cyanellus) is a bold, thick-bodied sunfish recognized by its large mouth, blue-green facial streaks, and aggressive attitude. Native to central North… Read More
Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)
Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) are vividly colored panfish found in clear rivers and streams across the central and southeastern U.S. They feature bright orange bellies,… Read More
Orangespotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis)
The Orangespotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis) is a small, deep-bodied freshwater fish recognized by its olive-green to brown body covered in bright orange spots along the… Read More
Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)
The Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) is a colorful freshwater fish easily recognized by its vibrant, iridescent scales and distinctive body shape. It features a deep,… Read More
Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)—also called shellcrackers—are large, bottom-feeding sunfish found in warm lakes and ponds across the U.S. Known for their red-tipped ear flap and… Read More
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
The Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) is a thick-bodied, red-eyed sunfish with a large, bass-like mouth that thrives in warm, slow-moving or stagnant waters like swamps, ponds,… Read More
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Brown trout are a freshwater fish known for their cautious behavior, powerful strikes, and ability to thrive in cold, oxygen-rich water. Originally native to Europe… Read More
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of North America’s most popular and widely distributed freshwater game fish. Known for its shimmering silver body, pink… Read More
FAQ
How can I quickly identify a fish I caught?
You can identify a fish by looking at key features such as body shape, coloration, fin patterns, and mouth structure. Our Fish Identification Guide makes it easy to search by state, habitat, or scientific name so you can quickly match your catch with accurate photos and species profiles. Before heading out, make sure you also have the proper fishing license for your state.
What’s the easiest freshwater fish to identify?
Some of the most recognizable freshwater fish include the Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Rock Bass. These species have distinct colors, markings, and body shapes that make them simple to spot, even for beginner anglers. For more tips on catching these species, check out our Freshwater Guides.
How do I know if a fish is freshwater or saltwater?
The easiest way to determine this is by location and habitat. Freshwater fish are found in lakes, rivers, and ponds, while saltwater fish live in oceans, bays, and coastal waters. Our Fish Identification Guide allows you to filter species by freshwater or saltwater, making identification much easier. For more detailed U.S. species information, visit the NOAA Fisheries Species Directory.
Why is fish identification important for anglers?
Correctly identifying fish is critical for following fishing regulations and protecting local ecosystems. Many states have size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions based on species. Using a reliable fish identification tool helps ensure you’re fishing responsibly and legally.
How can I search for fish by state or region?
Our interactive Fish Identification Guide lets you filter fish species by state, so you only see species found in your area. For Colorado anglers, you can explore the Colorado Fishing Atlas, which provides detailed maps of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs where fishing is allowed, along with species information and facility details.
Does this guide include fishing techniques for each species?
Yes! Along with identification details, many species profiles include recommended fishing methods, such as lure selection, bait types, and seasonal tips. Whether you’re targeting Bass, Crappie, Trout, or Catfish, you’ll find expert fishing tips for better success.
