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Emerald Shiner
Notropis atherinoides
2–4 inches
Typical Length
Under 0.1 lb
Typical Weight
Year-round
Season Opens
1%
% of MN Lakes
Emerald shiners are a slender, silvery-green baitfish found in large lakes and rivers across Minnesota. They're a critical forage species for walleye, sauger, and white bass.
Habitat
Emerald shiners school in open water of large lakes and rivers. They're pelagic, swimming in the upper water column where they feed on zooplankton. Large schools are often visible from the surface.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Year-round
Emerald shiners are primarily important as a forage base for gamefish. They can be caught with fine-mesh dip nets for use as bait.
Did You Know?
- Emerald shiners can form schools numbering in the millions in large lakes like Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods.
- Their abundance in a lake is often directly correlated with walleye growth rates — more shiners means fatter walleye.
Lakes with Emerald Shiner near you
36 Minnesota lakes have Emerald Shiner on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides) is a baitfish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented emerald shiner in 36 Minnesota lakes.