The northern pikeminnows feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. They can be targeted with light spinning gear, baitcasting or fly tackle. They are readily caught on bait, fly, lure, or anything that resembles a small minnow and are scrappy fighters but considered poor table fare. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
The northern pikeminnow is typically silvery-blue to gray color above on its back and silvery below. Scientists distinguish all of the pikeminnows by counting scales and rays however most anglers will simply rely on geography of the catch as most of the species in this genus do not overlap. They have a deeply forked tail with a long snout and a large, toothless mouth that will extend back past the front of the eye. These fish normally run about 1-3 pounds but they have been reported up to 15 pounds.