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Freshwater Fish of North America Field Guide
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03 March 2026

Identify your catch with the definitive field guide to more than 120 freshwater fish of the United States and Canada.
Freshwater fishing is a perfect outdoor activity for all ages and skill levels. There’s a whole world to discover beneath the surface of North America’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you're casting for bass, spotting an unfamiliar species, or simply exploring aquatic life, the Freshwater Fish of North America Field Guide by Dave Bosanko and Dan Johnson is the ultimate guide to the fish you’ll find. When you’re not sure what you reeled in, pull this handy guide out of your tackle box and narrow your choices by family (based on visual characteristics). Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the “Similar Species” comparisons.
Book Features:
- Detailed information about more than 120 species
- Professional illustrations—perfect for fish identification
- Helpful facts about habitat preferences, feeding behavior, and reproduction
- Expert fishing tips, including recommended baits and techniques for dozens of species
- Bonus content on fish anatomy, invasive species, and responsible angling practices
This authoritative guide blends scientific detail with practical advice, making it perfect for anglers, educators, and nature lovers. Learn how fish navigate their underwater environments and discover new techniques to improve your success on the water.
Dave Bosanko spent 30 years as staff biologist at two of the University of Minnesota’s field stations. An avid fisherman and naturalist, he has long enjoyed applying his extensive field research to patterning fish location and behavior, and observing how these fascinating species interact with one another in the underwater web of life. He lives north of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
Dan Johnson began his journey in outdoor communications in the late 1980s, penning fishing and hunting columns for local newspapers. Along the way, each new step led to editorial, public relations, and event marketing positions that further fueled his desire to share a love of the outdoors with audiences from all walks of American life. He lives north of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
About This Book
How to Use This Book
Fish Identification
Fish Anatomy
Fish Names
The Fish of the United States
Fish Biology
Fish Diversity
Adaptations and Reproduction
How Fish Swim
Fish Perception
A Bit About Fishing
Gear and Equipment
Fish Populations in Decline
Frequently Asked Questions
Fish Diseases
Invasive Species
Fun with Fish
Fish Consumption Advisories
Catch-and-Release Fishing
Fish Measurement
Sample Pages
Identification Guide
- Bowfin Family
- Catfish Family
- Characin Family
- Cichlid Family
- Cod Family
- Drum Family
- Eel Family
- Gar Family
- Goby Family
- Herring Family
- Lamprey Family
- Livebearer Family
- Minnow Family
- Mooneye Family
- Mudminnow Family
- Mullet Family
- Paddlefish Family
- Perch Family
- Pike Family
- Pirate Perch Family
- Pupfish Family
- Salmon Family
- Sculpin Family
- Silverside Family
- Smelt Family
- Snakehead Family
- Stickleback Family
- Sturgeon Family
- Sucker Family
- Sunfish Family
- Temperate Bass Family
- Topminnow Family
- Trout-Perch Family
Glossary
Primary References
Index
About the Authors