Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Maryland Fish Facts

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Fallfish

Fallfish
Semotilus corporalis

Key Distinguishing Markings:

  • ​Fallfish have the general characteristics of most chubs. Juveniles have a dark black stripe down their side and develop a silvery and golden coloration with a dark back as adults. They are a silvery shade on the top and sides of the body, but have a white shading on the belly. 
View the Fallfish Gallery

Fallfish 
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Distribution:

  • ​Northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Common in central and western Maryland. 


Size:

  • ​Fallfish can grow to be 15 inches or more in length, with exceptional spceimens growing over 18 inches and heavier than 2 pounds. The IGFA All Tackle World Record for Fallfish is 3lb, 9oz caught by Jonathan McNamara in the Susquehanna River near Owego, New York, USA in April 2009. 


Habitat:

  • ​Fallfish are very common in many of the streams and rivers in the central and western regions of Maryland. They prefer fast moving streams, clear lakes, and clear ponds.


Spawning:

  • ​They form nests or "redds" during spawning on stone or gravel type stream beds.  Breeding males develop a pinkish tone on the opercular region, although the species does not develop bright breeding colors. The redds built by spawning males form a prominent part of the bottom on many streams throughout the northeast. Spawning is communal with both males and females joining the nest builder.


Fishing Tips:

Fun Fact:

  • Fallfish are in the Cyprinidae Family (Minnows), which includes chubs and the common carp. ​
  • ​Fallfish are commonly encountered when fishing for other species such as stocked trout, yellow perch, or white perch. The strike the small jigs, sppons and live baits intended for other species. 
  • Fallfish are known for  dogged fighting style, powerful runs on light tackle, and willingness to strike many lures. 
  • In Virgina, fallfish are known as "Little tarpon of the Commonwealth". 


Family: Cyprinidae (Carps, minnows and chubs)
Order: Cypriniformes
Class: Actinopterygii

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