Loading...
Spottail Shiner
Notropis hudsonius
2–4 inches
Typical Length
Under 0.1 lb
Typical Weight
Year-round
Season Opens
N/A
% of MN Lakes
The spottail shiner is a common baitfish identified by the dark spot at the base of its tail. They're widespread in Minnesota's clear, sandy-bottomed lakes and are important forage for many gamefish species.
Habitat
Spottail shiners prefer clear lakes and rivers with sandy substrates. They're often found along sandy beaches and shorelines, making them one of the more visible minnow species from shore.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July
Season opens: Year-round
Commonly caught with minnow traps or fine-mesh seines for bait use.
Did You Know?
- The dark spot at the base of their tail is thought to confuse predators about which direction the fish is heading.
- Spottail shiners are one of the most commonly sampled minnow species in DNR lake surveys across Minnesota.
Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius) is a baitfish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers.