Basin Fish
The Upper Mississippi River Basin supports
more than 25% of freshwater fish in the United States.
Warmwater Fish
Warmwater fish thrive in summer water temperatures greater than 70 ° F.
Largemouth Bass
Bluegill
Common Shiner
Crappie
Channel Catfish
Paddlefish
Black Redhorse
Hornyhead Chub
Smallmouth Bass
Coolwater Fish
Coolwater fish thrive in summer water temperatures 65-70° F.
Northern Pike
Southern Redbelly Dace
American Brook Lamprey
Walleye
Blacknose Darter
Topeka Shiner
Coldwater Fish
Coldwater fish thrive in summer water temperatures less than 65° F.
Brook Trout
Mottled Sculpin
Brown Trout
Habitat influences the species and numbers of fish found in a waterway.
If habitat meets a fish’s needs, it can survive there.
If it doesn’t, it won’t be found there.
Generally, streams are cooler at their headwaters, then become warmer as they widen and absorb sunlight. A larger stream typically supports more fish species if conditions permit.
Fish on this page are examples of species found in Upper Mississippi River Basin streams.
There are 127 fish species in the Basin.4
Our choices impact the web of life
FISH FACT
When sediment covers gravel streambeds, smallmouth bass can’t successfully spawn.1
FISH FACT
Fish kill due to turbidity decreased 60% when conservation tillage and stream buffers were added.2
FISH FACT
In 2006 recreational fishing generated more than $2.7 billion in the central Midwest states.3