Fish of the Week!

Convict Cichlids & America's "Goldilocks" Waters

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In waters that are "just right" across America, you can find colorful, unfamiliar fish living on the edge. Embark on a weird treasure hunt with Katrina, Guy, and guest Matt Miller from The Nature Conservancy to learn about Central American Convict Cichlids in Idaho to feral fancy guppies in George Washington's Bathtub and Jack Dempsey Cichlids in South Dakota. We explore American's bizarre relationship with certain fish, as well as tips for travel to and fishing hot springs. Unfortunately, this isn't a fairy tale: we also learn how introducing unwanted aquarium pets into hot springs puts our own unique native fish at risk.

Northern Pike in Southcentral Alaska

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:30:00 -0400

Get the latest scoop on Northern Pike in Southcentral Alaska with Alaska Department of Fish and Game guest Parker Bradley. While this fish is highly sought-after and valued for subsistence and sport in the regions of Alaska where it's native, it is causing problems for salmon in Southcentral Alaska where it's been introduced. We deep dive into a nuanced look at how species can cause harm when they're put into new places, and what's being done to detect and manage populations in a very large and logistically-challenging environment.

Golden Redhorse: Fantastic Native Sucker

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:15:00 -0400

Get to know the Golden Redhorse! They fight hard, they're beautiful, and they're a great fish to introduce kids to fishing (soft mouth, no spines). During this episode you'll gain strategies to see their migration and catch/cook redhorse, identify redhorse species in your neck of the woods, learn how anglers are helping scientists understand more about these fish through an amazing piece of anatomy called the otolith and more. Our two Minnesota-based guests are Drew Geving (Native Fish for Tomorrow) and Alec Lackmann (University of Minnesota Duluth's Otolith Lab).

Become the ultimate sucker lover by catching all of our sucker episodes!

S2: E14 - Rio Grande Suckers
S2: E15 - Ugiidatli / Sicklefin Redhorse
S2: E22 - Bigmouth Buffalo
S2: E41 - June Sucker
S2: E46 - Blue Sucker
S3: E5 + S4: E17 Razorback Sucker
S3: E34 - Hogsuckers
S3: E46 - Cui-ui / Pyramid Lake Suckers
S4: E3 - C'waam / Lost River Suckers
S4: E16 - White Sucker
S4: E29 - Smallmouth Buffalo
S5: E25 - Shorthead Redhorse

Emerald Bowfin: Honey Badger of Fish!

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:15:00 -0400

Get to know the Emerald Bowfin, one of two native species of bowfin found in North America! Always hungry and angry, this gamest of fish is a dedicated parent and will roll and jump spectacularly on the end of your line if hooked...and once landed, it about as close as you can get to holding a living dinosaur. Guests Griffin Blegen and Tyler Winter help Katrina and Guy dig into where this fish is found, its aggressive personality, how their dietary habits help you catch bigger bluegill, how to best cook bowfin at the water's edge, and why you absolutely should NOT throw this treasure on the bank like trash.

American Star Drum: Estuarine Candy!

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:50:00 -0400

Get to know the American Star Drum: an abundant, silvery little bulldog-faced fish that feeds everything from popular sportfish to beloved birds and dolphins! Katrina and Guy are joined by two Georgia-based guests: Rachel Guy with the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve/Georgia DNR and Bryan Fluech with the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. You'll learn about the biology of this fish and other lesser-known drums, the key role of estuaries, the Estuarine Fish Monitoring Cooperative, and coastal Georgia's fish/crustacean ID tool "What's My Bait."

Southern Appalachian Brook Trout!

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:20:00 -0400

Travel to North Carolina with Katrina, Guy, and guest Tyler Pait to get to know the beautiful Brook Trout of the Southern Appalachians! You'll learn about the habits of these fish, where you can still find them in the south, how to safely approach a high-elevation Brook Trout fishing adventure, and how folks with non-fish day jobs are making a difference (and how you can too!).

Abyssal Rattail & Rough Abyssal Grenadier!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:55:00 -0400

Head with us to the abyssal sea floor, a fascinating and important place with rolling hills, rock outcrops, and amazing creatures drifting by and sticking out of deep, fine mud. This is where an abundance of fish with rat-like tails are feeling around and tracking the populations of surface dwelling fish above. Guest Jeff Drazen from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa joins Katrina and Guy to answer questions and help listeners understand what life is like at this depth.

Alabama's Watercress Darter!

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:35:00 -0400

Head to Birmingham, Alabama with us to get to know this fish and several other endangered urban darters. We explore the city and the well-known spring oases the Watercress Darter calls home, as well as the ways in which the community has rallied around their care. You'll hear from the man who first discovered and described this fish in 1965 and two guests from our Alabama Ecological Services Field Office. With so many darter enthusiasts within the Magic City, the future of this fish is bright just like its beautiful blue fins.

The Blackbanded Sunfish of East Coast Blackwaters

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:55:00 -0400

Get to know a beautiful and rare native species found in pockets of tea-like blackwater habitats along the East Coast. Katrina and Guy are joined by three guests from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Jay Kilian, Seth Moessinger, and Jason Cessna. Learn more about the fish, their patchy habitats, and the amazing work being done by a variety of partners and states to locate, understand, and give these fish a helping hand!

If you enjoyed this sunfish you might also like these episodes:

S2:E8 Longear Sunfish: Slab-Sided Beauty
S3:E6 Sacramento Perch: California's Heritage Sunfish!
S3:E28 Pygmy Sunfish: The Mini Seven
S4:E15 Green Sunfish: Aggressive Bigmouth

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/2026-01/bringing-blackbanded-sunfish-back-blackwater-habitat-maryland

Pumpkinseed: Find Your Happy Place

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:20:00 -0400

Get to know the Pumpkinseed, "perfect in all its parts, looking like a brilliant coin, fresh from the mint." Learn what makes this fish tick, where to find it, how to catch it (in both open water and through the ice), and how fishing can take you to a happy place. Katrina and Guy are joined by Jeff Kopaska (Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society) and retired Minnesota fish biologist Mike McInerny.

All The Fish Names: Etymology Deep Dive!

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In contrast to the clinical, objective science of descriptive taxonomy, naming a fish is the one time scientists can be creative, personal, poetic, whimsical, and even mysterious. We dig into the process and history of formally naming fish species. Our special guest, Christopher Sharpf (the brains behind the ETYFish Project), has researched the names of literally ALL THE FISH!! You'll particularly like this episode if you like history, are curious about etymology or language, and want to be inspired to find your own very unique "Everest" to tackle (in the name of fish).

Rockhead Poacher: Livin' Loud

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What looks like a rock, vocalizes using its own bizarre internal instrument, and vibrates like a cell phone when picked up? Get to know the Rockhead Poacher: a fish that's developed a very special way to make itself heard in loud, acoustically complex tidepools along the Pacific coast. Whether you're a fish enthusiast, computer geek, gamer or art lover, this episode is for you. Fish biologist and recent LSU master's graduate Dan Geldof is our enthusiastic guest/guide.

Virginia's Walleye/Sauger Hybrid: Saugeye!

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:10:00 -0400

Get to know the Saugeye! You'll get extensive tips how to angle for this fish, how it tastes, and what goes into producing this hybrid for fun fishing opportunities in Virginia. Katrina and Guy are joined by two guests from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

The Big-Shouldered Piebald Madtom

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:22:00 -0400

Get to know a notoriously difficult-to-detect Noturus species: the Piebald Madtom! Matt Wagner, a biologist from our Mississippi Ecological Services Field Office, takes us into the field to learn about this very neat little American catfish with a big sting!

Broad Whitefish: Alaska's Chunkiest Coregonid

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tune in this week as Katrina and Guy head to Alaska's Kuskokwim River! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guests Frank Harris and Aaron Moses describe this fish, its importance to people, the river + Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, and the logistical challenges of studying fish in remote Alaska (MacGyver story included!).

If you like this episode, we've got another for you that offers an Iñupiat perspective and science from a different region of Alaska: S2:E47: Broad Whitefish: Trade and Table Fare

Trout-Perch! Surprise...It's Neither!

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the Trout-Perch, an understudied yet important forage fish that makes its living across a large swath of North America! Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Ray Katula and Justin Lesser.

Season 6: Celebrate America's Fish!

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Katrina and Guy reflect on the past five seasons and take a sneak peek into season 6. Learn which 25 American fish top their lists and their shortlist of Mount Rushmore-worthy fishes. The episode ends with listeners' "fanmail darter" recommendations.

Hawaii's 'O'opu Gobies!

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know 'o'opu nākea, 'o'opu 'alamo'o, ‘o’opu nopili, ‘o’opu naniha, and ‘o’opu ‘akupa! From scaling waterfalls to farming algae, Hawaii’s native ‘o’opu gobies embody a mauka to makai (mountains to sea) way of living. These fascinating obligate amphidromous fishes (and our guests - Cory Yap, Cody Chacon, and Tim Grabowski), help us to open a window into Hawaiian culture, sense of place, and kuleana.

Check out these other Hawaii-focused episodes:

S4:E43 Guests Andie Le Doux and Iokepa Frederick discuss the once-great coastal O'ahu mullet migration and conserving muliwai (estuary) environments.
S4:E21 Awa (Milkfish) with guest Keli'i Kotubetey (Assistant Executive Director of Paepae o He'eia on the island of O'ahu)
S3:E18 Guest William Aila discusses traditional and contemporary Hawaiian fishing techniques and dishes, management and conservation of tuna.
S2:E18 Moi (Pacific Threadfin) + fishponds of Molokai with guests Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo

Round Goby!

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:15:00 -0400

Get to know the invasive Round Goby! You'll learn about the history of this fish in the Great Lakes, their impacts, and how to tell them apart from native fishes like Mottled Sculpin and Johnny Darter. Our guests are Julie Nitz and Abby Wicks from Wayne State University.

Mahi-mahi (Dolphinfish)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Per listener request, get to know the fish so nice they named it twice! In this episode you'll learn about their fascinating coloration and behavior, fishing and underwater viewing strategies, and how to contribute to our collective understanding of the movements and lives of these fish by participating in one of the world's largest fishermen-driven tagging programs. Our guest is Wess Merten: Director of Beyond Our Shores Foundation and its Dolphinfish Research Program.

River Chub Rockstar!

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a rockstar of a fish who develops a big pink head adorned with tubercles during the spawning season. Not only that, it moves thousands of rocks into spawning mounds that benefit all kinds of other fish! This species and other chubs in the Nocomis genus are very important indeed. Guy and Katrina dig into this fish and recent fan mail.

Texas' Native Guadalupe Bass!

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:16:00 -0400

Meet the official state fish of Texas and the gem of central Texas: the Guadalupe Bass! Native only to the clear, groundwater-influenced streams of the Texas Hill Country, this spunky fish is an amazing catch and will absolutely tear into your light tackle and crater your topwater.

"If they want to eat your fly, there's nothing you can do to get it away from them. They will outrun it, they will eat it, and if they miss it, a lot of times they'll eat it again. They have a pretty bad attitude and I love that about them."

Our Guest Chris Johnson from Living Waters Fly Fishing brings enthusiasm and passion for what the Texas Hill Country has to offer from a native fishing and place-based perspective. Come experience this special place and fish and while you're at it, get after your Hill Country double (Guadalupe Bass + Rio Grande Cichlid)!

Bluemask Darter!

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:25:00 -0400

Get to know a fan favorite! Katrina and Guy visit with guests Bo Baxter and Derek Wheaton from Conservation Fisheries to understand the habits and history of this tiny cog and wheel in our amazing, beautiful world. You'll learn how and where to best visit with and photograph bluemask and related darters underwater...and how Conservation Fisheries raises and feeds (!) tiny millimeters-long "set-of-eyeballs" babies to adults. If you're a fish or aquarium enthusiast, or a nature photographer, you'll enjoy this week's discussion.

Lake Sturgeon: Michigan's Story

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:59:00 -0400

Get to know the lunkers of the lake that also need free-flowing rivers...Lake Sturgeon! This episode takes Katrina and Guy to Michigan where they talk with guest Ed Baker from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Delve into the history of Lake Sturgeon in Michigan, learn what makes this fish so very cool, and explore what's being done to help them achieve the comeback they (and anglers) deserve.

Alaska's Kenai River Rainbow Trout

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:39:00 -0400

Head to Alaska and get to know the big, beautiful rainbow trout of the Kenai River! You'll learn tips about when and how to float and fish the river, the habits of rainbow trout and other Kenai River fish, and how your fishing license and gear purchases contribute to improved access points along the river and beyond. Our guests are Tracy Smith (Statewide Boating & Angler Access Program Coordinator with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game), Ken Gates (Fish Biologist with our Kenai Field Office), and Cary Myler with our Office of Conservation Investment.

Utah's Native Cutthroat Trout!

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 22:32:00 -0400

Get to know and explore the state of Utah by discovering its amazing cutthroat trout diversity! We are joined by two guests with the Utah Department of Natural Resources: Mike Slater and Trina Hedrick. You'll learn where these fish live, why they're so cool, how to go about completing the Utah Cutthroat Trout Slam, and how your license and gear purchases are put towards conservation and unforgettable angling opportunities.

Learn more: https://www.utahcutthroatslam.org/

Sport Fish Restoration Act 75th

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:51:00 -0400

Get to know the history behind the Sport Fish Restoration Act as we kick off a month celebrating its role (and yours) in fisheries conservation and access. Our guests are Mark Madison (a historian at our National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia) and Tom Decker (branch manager with our Office of Conservation Investment).

Yelloweye Rockfish / Spot Shrimp Special!

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the Yelloweye Rockfish and (bonus!) spot shrimp! This episode explores the close relationship between these two species in Prince William Sound, Alaska. You'll gain insight into their diet and reproduction, fishing tips and how-tos, and best practices to help both species continue to provide enjoyment and sustenance for years to come. Our guests are Brittany Blain-Roth and Donnie Arthur from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Lifelist Fishing How-Tos!

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:52:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy do a deep dive into lifelist fishing including how to start from scratch, lessons learned, tips for parents who want to set their kids up for lifelisting success, and how this fun activity can open doors to deep friendships and fish-focused vacations (the best kind!). Guy also discusses his wearable seine and Katrina catches listeners up on "fanmail darter."

Tennessee's Lovely Laurel Dace

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:54:00 -0400

Get to know the Laurel Dace, a Tennessee native named for the mountain laurel that covers the streams where it lives. You'll love this handsome fish with the gold, yellow, black and tan ensemble and splash of red on their lips. This endangered Southern Appalachian fish is an emblem of a very special place and what it means to live as part of a community and watch out for your neighbors, both above and below the water. Anna George from the Tennessee Aquarium and Emily Granstaff/Warren Styles join from our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office.

Shorthead Redhorse: Fishiest Fish For All

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:09:00 -0400

Get to know the beautiful Shorthead Redhorse: a far-ranging, classically shiny fish that's very accessible, tasty, and fun to catch! All while it continues to provide ecosystem services for other valued fish and wildlife. Our guests are Native Fish for Tomorrow's Olaf Nelson and Tyler Winter: two guys who are true sucker lovers willing share a wealth of information and big dose of enthusiasm for perhaps one of America's greatest underappreciated treasures.

Weather Loach!

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:07:00 -0400

We've got a fascinating story for you about the discovery of nonnative Weather Loaches in Georgia! You'll want to get to know these butt-breathing, temperature tolerant fishes and the cool work being done to understand their distribution and impact. Our guests are researchers from the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources: Wesley Gerrin and Sarah McNair!

Story Map: https://bit.ly/weatherloach

Rainbow Darter!

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:17:00 -0400

Get to know the Rainbow Darter! Whether you're microfishing, snorkeling, or combining the two, this is a great first fish to start your lifelist...and life list fishing is a great way to celebrate the amazing biodiversity of fish! Cody Cromer, a native fish enthusiast, aquarium keeper, microfisherman and lifelist angler from Ohio brings his passion for these pursuits and for these beautiful native fish.

The Fantastic Flier!

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:19:00 -0400

Meet a really neat member of North America's native sunfish family: the Flier! You can find this fantastic aquaria fish and worthy ultralight target sipping midges and chasing their small fish prey in cypress swamps. You'll come away from this episode with a great understanding of and appreciation for these beautiful, underappreciated fish. Our guests, both members of the North American Native Fishes Association, unpack their knowledge gained through first hand experience catching and keeping these fish: Tyler Goodale is a flier enthusiast and fisherman from Southeast Missouri and Dylan Bane is a teacher, football coach and native fish enthusiast/aquarist in Illinois.

Southeast Snorkeling for Spotfin Chub!

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:11:00 -0400

Get to know the Spotfin Chub! This beautiful, sometimes shimmery blue fish is endemic/unique to the Tennessee River basin in the Southeast United States and the only species in its genus. After listening, you'll know all about it's cool bedrock/crevice spawning habits, how the impacts of Hurricane Helene are still at play, and tips for interacting with this fish and other cool native species along the increasingly popular Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. Our guests are Luke Etchison from North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission and Pat Ciccotto from Warren Wilson College.

Blue Catfish!

Mon, 26 May 2025 16:17:00 -0400

Get to know the Blue Catfish! From their habits in big rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi to fishing opportunities in small reservoirs, we have two great guests to help dig into the details: Kurt Hentschke and Joe McMullen from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Joe is a big river specialist and manages Missouri's commercial fishing program and Kurt manages Missouri's Hunnewell Fish Hatchery. You won't want to miss fun facts about hotdogs, deer hair, and catfish testes!

Learn more:

https://research.mdc.mo.gov/project/big-rivers-catfish-assessment

Rio Grande Silvery Minnow!

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:01:00 -0400

Take a trip to the middle Rio Grande: a sandy river that, in its heyday, was "a mile wide and an inch deep" and chock full of millions of minnows. Our guests are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists Andy Dean from our New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office and Thomas Archdeacon from our New Mexico Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office.

Big & Beautiful Peacock Basses!

Mon, 12 May 2025 11:19:00 -0400

Get to know the peacock basses! By the end of this episode you'll be familiar with the different species, their savage feeding habits and habitat preferences, and how to put that knowledge to use for fishing in South America or south Florida. Our guest, Dr. Kirk Winemiller, professor at Texas A&M University, brings a huge wealth of knowledge about peacock bass ecology, diversity, and behavior.

California Golden Trout!

Mon, 05 May 2025 10:06:00 -0400

Come to the southern Sierra Nevada mountains with Katrina and Guy to learn about the fish that some consider the most beautiful of all trouts: the California Golden Trout.

You might also like these trout episodes:

S5:E9 Greenback Cutthroat Trout
S4:E45 Redband Trout
S4:E42 Apache Trout
S4:E10 Mexico's Native Trout
S1:E49 Bull Trout
S1:E35 Gila Trout

Learn more:

Spiciest Trout in the West (cutthroats) https://www.fws.gov/story/spiciest-trout-west
Western Native Trout Initiative https://westernnativetrout.org/

Guzmán Beautiful Shiner & Chihuahua Chub!

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We've got two fish, four guests, and one closed basin for you this week! Get to know a couple of New Mexico's special fishes and the place they call home. Our guests are Jill Wick with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Serena Kucera with our NM Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Robert Prather with our NM Ecological Services Field Office, and Tracy Diver from our Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center.

You might also like: Gila Trout: New Mexico's Sunset Fish (S1:E35)

The Most Underestimated Least Chub!

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:03:00 -0400

It may not be the "most" chub, but this unique native fish has a lot to offer! Kaitlyn Purington and Chance Broderius from the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Resources offer a state perspective on the public value of the very cool Least Chub.

Like chubs? You might like these episodes:

S3:E51 Bonytail Chub
S2:E7 Bluehead Chub
S2:E6 Humpback Chub
S1:E47 Lake Chub

Florida's Remarkable Opossum Pipefish!

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Granddaddy Opossum Pipefish rolls in wearing burnt sienna and looking like a wet stick. Time to go explore Florida and get to know this remarkable native fish! Fish Biologist Eddie Perri with our Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is going to get you pumped about this straightened-out seahorse relative, the Opossum Pipefish.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/floridas-remarkable-opossum-pipefish

Learn more about seahorses in S4:E25

Bullhead Catfishes! Catch All Seven Species

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy dig into one of America's native catfish groups: the bullheads! Learn how to find and identify these fish, and get hyped to complete the bullhead slam for all seven species! This episode also includes a dive into the latest fanmail darter, so take a listen to hear what's on listeners' minds!

Amphibious fishes! Walk this way!

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to be an "amphibious" fish? How many fish fall into this category? It might be more than you think! We've got guest Noah Bressman from Salisbury University's Department of Biology to help us dig into this very interesting behavior.

The Awesome Alabama Shad

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the shimmery sister species to the East Coast's American Shad. The beautiful, migratory Alabama Shad is native to the the Mississippi River basin, the Gulf, and other Gulf coast rivers. Katrina, Guy, and guest Steve Herrington with The Nature Conservancy explore the decline of this fish and all the current and potential future values it holds.

If you like this episode you might also like:

S3:E45 Pacific Herring: Haida/Tlingít Perspective

S3:E15 River Herring Return: A Spring Wonder

S2:E28 Great Lakes Cisco (Lake Herring)

S2:E20 American Shad: Running Silver

Lake Whitefish: The Whole Fish

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know a valuable species in North America and the Great Lakes region. We dig into what it might look like to local economies to place value on 100% of the fish instead of just the fillet by highlighting a project lead by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. Our guests are Dave Naftzger (Executive Director and founder of the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge) and Bill Bodin (Owner of Bodin Fisheries in Bayfield, Wisconsin).

Greenback Cutthroat Trout

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Get to know Colorado's state fish and its roller coaster history. Once abundant in the South Platte drainage, it's now found in only a few high-elevation streams and lakes. Josh Homer from our Leadville National Fish Hatchery in Colorado and Chris Kennedy from our Colorado Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office are guests.

If you like cutthroat trout, you might also like these episodes:

S3:E47 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout of Pyramid Lake
S1:E11 Coastal Cutthroat Trout

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/spiciest-trout-west

Gulf Sturgeon: Giant Southern Jumpers

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We've got two great guests with decades of combined knowledge who will help you get to know and appreciate these very large, migratory fish. Adam Kaeser is a fish biologist from our Panama City Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and Frank Paruka is a retired biologist and distinguished gulf sturgeon researcher. We cover everything from biology basics to heritage and history, and answer questions about why they jump, how they communicate, and how we study them in murky waters, and more.

Law Enforcement Special: Pleco Trade

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Wildlife Inspector Daniel Sahakian joins us for a special episode focused on the international pleco trade as a follow-on to the armored suckermouth catfishes episode. This is the first in a mini series of themed episodes we plan to air that are focused on illegal fish trade, U.S. and international wildlife protection laws, and the amazing work our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. In this episode you'll get to know the CITES-listed Hypancistrus zebra (zebra pleco).

Sailfin Catfishes: Genus Pterygoplichthys

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:04:00 -0400

This episode broadly introduces the family of South American armored suckermouth catfishes (Loricariidae) with a focus on genus Pterygoplichthys (AKA janitor fish/sailfin plecos/sailfin catfishes). You might know them from your fish tank or where they've been released into U.S. waters. We also introduce "Fan Mail Darter" where we answer questions and read fan feedback. This is part 1 of 2. Part 2 will focus on the pleco trade with one of our Wildlife Inspectors!

If you like this episode you may also enjoy:

S4:E48 Jack Dempsey: Cichlid, Not Boxer
S4:E48 Introducing the Bizarre Knifefishes

Journey across America and beyond with us as co-hosts Katrina & Guy + guests explore how to live with, live from, discover and enjoy #AllTheFish (new episodes every Monday, wherever you get your podcasts).

Smallmouth Bass, Big Complexity!

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 01:19:00 -0400

How well do you really know Smallmouth Bass? There's still a ton to learn, even about super popular fish! We dig into the fascinating diversity of Smallmouth Bass with guest Andrew Taylor from the University of North Georgia. Learn the latest science, the places these fish call home, and pro tips about how to complete the Smallmouth Slam!

If you like this topic you might also like these episodes:

S4:E46 Largemouth Bass
S4:E12 Fly Fishing for Shoal Bass
S4:E4 Greatest Rock Basses of All Time
S2:E19 Redeye Bass "Trout of Alabama"

Mountain Whitefish: Rocky Mountain Bonefish

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The majestic mountain is found in beautiful places and will challenge your fishing skills (in a good way)! Some even have snoots like the Whoville residents in The Grinch Stole Christmas. We hope you enjoy getting to know this important member in the family Salmonidae who's related to fan favorites like salmon, trout, and grayling.

Want more whitefish?? Check out these episodes:

S4:E6 Bloater
S2:E47 Broad Whitefish
S2:E28 Great Lakes Cisco
S1:E45 Humpback Whitefish
S1:E41 Traditional Whitefish Trapping
S1:E6 & E39 Sheefish
S1:E37 Bering Cisco

Warpaint Shiner!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the warpaint shiner, a vibrant southeastern U.S. species with striking red and black markings. This trout-like minnow is found in cold, clear, fast-flowing streams and is both important prey for sportfish (including bass) and host for native freshwater mussels. If you're feeling like a challenge, we discuss partaking in the "shiner slam" (for both anglers and snorkelers).

If you like this charismatic little fish, you might also like the Bluehead Chub! (S2:E7)

Tangerine Darter: Snorkel New Worlds

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Casper Cox, a freshwater snorkeling enthusiast from Tennessee, takes us below the surface and into the underwater world of the Tangerine Darter! The beauty of this fish and enthusiasm of our guest will have you grabbing your snorkel gear and heading to your nearest/clearest water and immersing yourself in new worlds.

If you're a darter fanatic, you might also like these episodes:

Fantail Darter (S4:E47)
Tippecanoe Darter (S4:E44)
Trispot Darter (S4:E20)
Fountain Darter (S3:E49)
Candy Darter (S3:E33)
Snail Darter (S2:E39)
Diamond Darter (S2:E22)
Holiday Darter (S1: E52)

All Aboard for Season 5!

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy celebrate the start of season five by highlighting the journey so far through over 200 episodes. They reflect on what's been learned by digging into the rich diversity of fish and cultural connections across different geographies and cast a line towards topics to come.

2025 Fish Draft!

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Find out which fishes have made the cut for season 5! Katrina and Guy bring listeners behind the scenes for a peek into their annual fish draft.

Pacific Salmon: Adventuring North?

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:36:00 -0400

This episode explores the ability of Pacific salmon to colonize Alaska rivers flowing north into the Arctic Ocean. Are they able to spawn successfully or are they just adventurous strays probing north? Our guests are Peter Westley and Randy Brown. Randy, a Fishery Biologist, operates out of our Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and Peter is the Wakefield Chair of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

If you're a big Randy Brown fan like we are, check out our S1:E37 episode on Alaska's Bering Cisco and S3:E11 episode on dwarf Dolly Varden char. You can read his interviews here:

https://www.fws.gov/story/dandy-dollies-far-north-alaska
https://www.fws.gov/story/made-alaska-bering-cisco

Cookiecutter Sharks!

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The cookiecutter shark has a very peculiar set of skills and is known for its distinctive feeding behavior. Despite leaving its mark on a wide variety of creatures (and even some humans and inanimate objects), much about these small sharks remains a mystery! Guest Aaron Carlisle from the University of Delaware's School of Marine Science and Policy brings his perspective and highlights the challenges of studying this amazing and strange fish.

If you like sharks, you might like these episodes!

Blacktip Reef Shark (S4:E30)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (S4:E23)
Greenland Shark (S3:E29)
Goblin Shark (S2:E42)
Salmon Shark (S1:E29)

Jack Dempsey: Cichlid, Not Boxer

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Jack Dempsey, an American cichlid known for its beauty and aggressiveness. Your co-hosts Katrina and Guy have fun exploring the likeness between this fish and the 1920s heavyweight boxer, its aquarium presence, and how its found its way into unlikely places like South Dakota and Russia.

If you like this fun take, you might also enjoy S4:E19 about the bizarre knifefishes.

Fantail Darter!

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We are joined by two (and a half) guests who really like Fantail Darters and have found a creative way to get people excited about overlooked nongame fish! Drew Holloway is a fisheries biologist for the Muncie Bureau of Water Quality in Central Indiana and North Central Division of American Fisheries Society President Elect. Luke Etchison is a conservation biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail co-creator, and North Carolina AFS President. Their creation is Duke Hollison, a small little man who makes tiny native fishes look big and cool on Instagram.

Largemouth Bass!

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

For our 200th episode, we chat with Gene Gilliland - lifelong bass enthusiast and conservation director of the Bass Angler Sportsman Society (BASS). Learn about Largemouth Bass biology, the variety of ways to catch this fish, and why they're so popular.

Here are some other bass episodes you might enjoy:

Smallmouth Bass Complex (S5: E5)
Fly Fishing for Shoal Bass (S4:E12)
Greatest Rock Basses of All Time (S4:E4)
Redeye Bass: "Trout of Alabama" (S2:E19)

Redband Trout

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the fish and places it calls home. We discuss fishing strategies, the importance of curiosity, and pathways into fishing and caring for native fishes. Our guest is Redband Trout enthusiast and Oregon State University student Roberto Ponce Velez.

S4:E42 & S2:40 Apache Trout: Arizona Treasure
S4:E28 Brown Trout!
S3:E47 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout of Pyramid Lake
S3:E47 Beautiful Brook Trout
S3:E4 Rainbow Trout!
S1:E49 Big and Beautiful: Bull Trout
S1:E35 Gila Trout: New Mexico's Sunset Fish
S1:E17 Called to Sea: Steelhead Trout Answer
S1:E11 Coastal Cutthroat Trout

Tippecanoe Darter

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know Ohio's second smallest fish, the Tippecanoe Darter - a lover of marble-sized rocks and riffles. Guests Brian Zimmerman (a rare and endangered non-game fish biologist at Ohio State University), Ethan Hendershot and Zeke Churchin (non-game fisheries research technicians) help tell the success story of this fish.

Mullets and Muliwai: Hawaiian Perspective

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know Hawaii's mullets through the eyes of University of Hawaii undergraduate students Andie Le Doux and Iokepa Frederick. We'll imagine the grand experience of the once great mullet migration that provided sustenance for the people who lived on the coast of O‘ahu while we appreciate conservation work being done in the muliwai (estuary) environments that attract them near shore.

Check out all the Hawaii episodes:

S4:E21 Awa (Milkfish) with guest Keli'i Kotubetey (Assistant Executive Director of Paepae o He'eia on the island of O'ahu)
S3:E18 Tuna with guest William Aila (traditional and contemporary fishing techniques and dishes, management and conservation).
S2:E18 Moi (Pacific Threadfin) + fishponds of Molokai with guests Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo

Apache Trout: Arizona Treasure

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The beauty of this fish matches its home: high-elevation streams in the White Mountains of Arizona. We discuss its conservation successes and the continued commitment moving forward. The restoration of Arizona’s state fish marks the first sportfish and the first trout delisted due to recovery. Tim Gatewood from the White Mountain Apache Tribe and Zac Jackson from our Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office are guests.

Sea Robin: Sustaining Seafood

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This very cool fish uses its finger-like fins to locate prey on the seafloor and might bark at you if you catch it. It's also at the center of an amazing case study regarding a place-based approach to sustaining wild seafood. Our three guests are a fisherman (Jason Jarvis), chef (David Standridge), and Eating with the Ecosystem's Kate Masury. Calls to action? try something new, eat the whole fish, and get to know your local fishermen!

Tule Perch: Packing Live Young!

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

With a namesake that matches the vegetation found in marshes where it lives, this California native comes in three different forms and has a very impressive skill: females pack an unbelievable number of extremely large young in their enlarged vascularized ovaries and give live birth. Senior Research Scientist John Durand from the University of California, Davis Center for Watershed Sciences is our guest.

Owens Pupfish: Blue California Jewel

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What good are they? "Well, what good are you?" goes the famous quote about this fish. Meet the Owens Pupfish: a small, blue, chubby, feisty, extreme, endangered fish that’s native to the Owens Valley in California and was recently celebrated in the newly-established Owens Pupfish Refuge within the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Conservation Open Space Area. Brian Atkins, Environmental Director for the Bishop Paiute Tribe, and Menemsha Zotstein with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are guests.

California Butterfly Ray

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a big, beautiful, predatory fish that floats like a butterfly and whacks prey with its wings: the California Butterfly Ray! Scientist and Elasmobranch expert Joe Bizzarro from the National Marine Fisheries Service's Southwest Fisheries Science Center is our guest.

Tench: Doctor Fish

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

May we have your at-TENCH-ion please? Will the real Slime Shady please stand up? Folklore has it that Tench slime can cure any sick fish that rubs against it. Hence its other name: “Doctor Dre.” Oh wait, oops (checking notes). Hence its other name: "Doctor Fish." Guest Bryan Witte, a fisheries biologist with the Kalispel Tribe talks with us about ol' Tinca tinca including how and where to catch one.

Tench were first introduced to North

America in the 1870s. On our latest podcast episode of "Fish of the

Week!" we're talking all about Tench with a focus on eastern Washington.

Catch new episodes every Monday at FWS.gov or wherever you get your podcasts!

American Eel: Puerto Rico Perspective

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 11:53:00 -0400

The American Eel: very demure, very mindful. So demure, in fact, that nobody has ever seen them spawn! These wonderfully mysterious fish start and end life in the Sargasso Sea with an incredible freshwater migration in between. We continue to unravel some of the mystery around this migratory fish with guest Ámbar Torres Molinari. This episode is dedicated to her late advisor Dr. Thomas J. Kwak and all the amazing field technicians who helped make her American Eel research possible in Puerto Rico.

If you're an ultra eel fan, you'll like Holly Richard's S1:E44 interview.

If you want to learn more about all the fish of Puerto Rico fishes, here are some episodes you'll enjoy:

Mountain Mullet (S4:E26)
Bigmouth Sleeper (S4:E8)
Sicydium gobies (S3:E38)

Cowcod: Plodding California Rockfish

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Moooood: plodding, with deep thoughts. Meet the Cowcod. Special guest Milton Love shares how rockfish first captured his imagination as a kid and what he's learned about this particular deep-dwelling West Coast native. You'll enjoy lively conversation, deep-sea adventure, and lessons learned in rockfish conservation.

All About Gars!

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Solomon David (the "Gar Guy") is back and this time Katrina and Guy are talking with him about gars in the genus Lepisosteus. By the end of this episode, we GAR-antee you'll be a lot more familiar with the Longnose, Shortnose, Spotted and Florida Gars...and hope your curiosity about (and love for) these fish will be piqued even more.

Zebrafish: Biomedical Wonder

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet America's next top model...organism. Zebrafish (AKA Zebra Danios) are found all over the USA: in home aquariums, in medical facilities, and occasionally in the wild due to releases. This fish has some amazing qualities that are helping scientists answer much larger questions about human health. Our guests are Joshua Barber, Christine Archer, and Amber Chiodini - three friends who have all worked with zebrafish in the biomedical research field and host the Gettin' Fishy With It podcast.

From Alaska: Yukon River Fish Camp

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Refuge Information Technician Stanislaus Sheppard joins from Alaska to share his salmon fishing experiences from his fish camp on the Yukon River.

Hear similar stories: Tribal Voices Bring Fish Values to the Surface https://www.fws.gov/story/tribal-voices-bring-fish-values-surface

Spike-toothed Salmon/Weaponized Mustache

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the spike-toothed salmon, a prehistoric Pacific salmon 8+ feet long. With similarities to modern-day sockeyes, this giant species in the genus Oncorhynchus used to spawn in the Pacific Northwest as recently as 4-5 million years ago. What were its spikes for? Why did it go extinct? And is there anything we can learn from past extinctions? Three guests to help us reflect on this prehistoric branch on the salmon family tree: Ray Troll (artist), Kerin Claeson (professor of anatomy at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine), and Brian Sidlauskas (professor and curator of fishes at Oregon State University).

Blacktip Reef Shark!

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a "bendy" shark with beautiful features. Learn what it's like to photograph this striking and shy species, what it takes to catch/tag it for science, and what it needs to thrive. Our guests are Kydd Pollock (fisheries science manager for The Nature Conservancy's Palmyra Program) and Jenn Caselle (research biologist with UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute).

For more cool fish in this geography, check out our Bumphead Parrotfish episode (S4:E22) and Humphead Wrasse (S3:E41)

If you like sharks, you might like these episodes!

Cookiecutter Shark (S4:E49)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (S4:E23)
Greenland Shark (S3:E29)
Goblin Shark (S2:E42)
Salmon Shark (S1:E29)

Smallmouth Buffalo!

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 01:45:00 -0400

Get to know one of North America's big and awesome native suckers: the Smallmouth Buffalo! Follow along as we learn about population trends and demographics and also what it's like to prepare and eat this delicious fish! Our guests Levi Solomon and Kris Maxson join from the Illinois River Biological Station.

Brown Trout!

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Guy gets all gussied up in his best brown trout ensemble (again) for some banter with Katrina about how these fish made their way to the to the USA and how they are perceived. Maria Dosal joins from her Agdaagux homelands on the Alaska Peninsula to talk about fish regalia and respecting the whole fish.

Sacramento, Umpqua, and Northern Pikeminnows!

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:20:00 -0400

Get to know three West Coast pikeminnows! This compliments our Colorado Pikeminnow episode from season 3. Our guest, Stewart Reid, specializes in the biology and stewardship of Western fishes.

Mountain Mullet: Fish, Not Hairdo

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode we explore Mountain Mullets (the fish) with guest biologist Bonnie Myers. Get to know this strong-swimming jumper and the important role they play in Puerto Rico's native fish community.

Seahorses!

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I have a face that resembles a horse, a prehensile tail like a monkey, a brood pouch like a kangaroo, and the ability to change color and move my eyes independently like a chameleon. I range from the size of a grain of rice to over a foot long. Get to know the genus Hippocampus: how they live, what threats they face, and how you can help. Our guests are Miguel Correia with Project Seahorse and Nancy Kim Pham with Sezarc.

Smalltooth Sawfish!

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:46:00 -0400

Meet the Smalltooth Sawfish! Learn all about its saw-like rostrum, the threats it faces, how NOT to take a photo with a sawfish, and what's being done to understand and conserve these incredibly cool critters. Our guest is John Carlson with NOAA Fisheries Service's Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

Pacific Sleeper Shark!

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know a huge, bendy, slow-moving shark that looks like a giant log, has cantaloupe-sized eyeballs, and loves a delicious whale fall. Our guests are Cindy Tribuzio and Beth Matta with NOAA. Beth is a research fisheries biologist in the Age and Growth Program at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and Cindy is a research biologist with the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Auke Bay Laboratories.

Like sharks? Here are some more episodes:

Cookiecutter Shark (S4:E49)
Blacktip Reef Shark (S4:E30)
Greenland Shark (S3:E29)
Goblin Shark (S2:E42)
Salmon Shark (S1:E29)

Bumphead Parrotfish: Bulldozer of the Sea

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You: running your hands through warm sand at the beach. Also you: finding out it might have passed through the anus of a fish. Meet the Bumphead Parrotfish: beach-making "bulldozer of the sea" and gargantuan coral-chomping champion. Our guests are Richard Hamilton with The Nature Conservancy and Alan Friedlander from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and National Geographic's Pristine Seas.

Milkfish/Awa: A Hawaiian Perspective

Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the Milkfish, a big, shiny, powerful fish known locally in Hawaii as Awa. Our guest, Keli'i Kotubetey (Assistant Executive Director of Paepae o He'eia on the island of O'ahu) takes us to an 800 year old site of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture where this fish is being cared for and grown for the future.

Check out all the Hawaii episodes:

S4:E43 Mullets with guests Andie Le Doux and Iokepa Frederick discussing the once-great coastal O'ahu mullet migration and conserving muliwai (estuary) environments.

S3:E18 Tuna with guest William Aila (traditional and contemporary fishing techniques and dishes, management and conservation).

S2:E18 Moi (Pacific Threadfin) + fishponds of Molokai with guests Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo

The Migratory Trispot Darter

Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Trispot Darter has a fascinating story of rediscovery, migration, and conservation teamwork. Three guests join the conversation: Fisheries Biologist Cal Johnson (Alabama Department of Environmental Management), Independent Researcher and author Pat O'Neil (formerly with the Geological Survey of Alabama); and biologist Lee Holt with our Alabama Ecological Services Office.

Introducing the Bizarre Knifefishes

Sun, 12 May 2024 13:09:00 -0400

Meet the knifefishes! From the Clown Knifefish to the to the Electric Eel, Katrina and Guy take a broad brush look at this bizarre group of fascinating fishes.

Southern Flounder: Both Sides of the Fish

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Southern Flounder, a temperature-sensitive fish that's one-third of the "Texas Slam” with Redfish/Red Drum (S2:E25) and Speckled Trout. Learn about their transformation from regular fish with two matching sides to amazing flatfish, how they hunt tidal creeks and saltmarsh wetlands, and how to safely and sustainably catch and eat them. Texas A&M University at Galveston Marine Biology PhD student Daniel Kemp and Mark Fisher from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department join as guests.

Read more about wetland-loving fish: ttps://www.fws.gov/story/four-fish-who-want-you-wet-your-plantsh:

Razorback Suckers of Palisade High

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Hear how Palisade High School in Colorado is helping a huge, cool Colorado native: the Razorback Sucker! Teacher Pat Steele and student Kiera Stephen share their connections to this fish, take us on a tour of the Palisade High School Fish Hatchery, and celebrate their 1000th Razorback Sucker released.

White Sucker: Rodney Dangerfield of Fish

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a very important native fish that gets no respect: the White Sucker! Turns out this fish is a total catch! Kids love 'em. Walleyes and muskies love 'em. Eagles love 'em. Otters love 'em. Fishermen and fisherwomen love 'em. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Tyler Winter (Native Fish for Tomorrow) and Rick Bruesewitz (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources).

Green Sunfish: Aggressive Bigmouth

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet big-gaped Green Sunfish! This beefy, bass-like sunfish is fun to catch and beautiful to behold. Learn about its habits, where it's found, how to catch it, where it fits in the fish family tree, and more.

Key Cave's Alabama Cavefish!

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Put on your spelunking gear and get ready to head to Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge in northern Alabama. Key Cave is the only place in the entire world where the bizarre-looking Alabama Cavefish is known to exist. By the time you finish listening you'll either be glad or jealous you didn't soil your pants sliding down gray bat guano to meet this amazing fish. We are joined by special guests Nick Wirwa with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bernie Kuhajda with the Tennessee Aquarium.

The Unassuming Bony-eared Assfish!

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a soft and flabby wonder with the smallest brain-to-body weight ratio of any vertebrate and a name that's bound to stimulate conversation. Two guests deep dive into assfish territory with us: Peter Auster from Mystic Aquarium and the University of Connecticut, and Brittany Petersen from our National Conservation Training Center (and formerly with the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument).

Fly Fishing for Shoal Bass

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You’ll be hooked when you meet this shoal habitat specialist and Apalachicola-Flint-Chattahoochee River native. Learn how to think like a shoalie, understand the importance of knowing its prey, and pursue it safely in class 3 rapids on foot or from a raft. Fly tier extraordinaire Fletcher Sams and Shoal Bass enthusiast Jay Shelton are our guests.

Alaska's Capelin/Seabird Story

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:51:48 -0400

Meet a cucumber-scented fish that feeds the masses and sometimes crashes. Our guests are Yumi Arimitsu with the USGS Alaska Science Center Seabird and Forage Fish Ecology Program and Seabird Biologist Robb Kaler with the Marine Birds Section of our Alaska Division of Migratory Bird Management.

Truchas Mexicanas/Mexico's native trout

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:06:35 -0400

Come on an adventure into high elevation and rugged terrain to find Mexico's diverse native trout. Illustrator and Mexican native trout enthusiast Joe Tomelleri takes us on a journey of discovery and art inspired by stunningly beautiful fishes.

Invasive Carp

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0400

Hey, you guys! One distinguishing feature of invasive carp is eye placement at or below the mouth opening. They also have a very particular set of skills that makes them so successful at outcompeting the native fish you love. Fish Biologists Mark Fritts and Tyler Gross join the conversation from our Lacrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wisconsin and our Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office's Ohio River Substation in West Virginia.

Puerto Rico's Bigmouth Sleeper

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Anglers take note...this fish is a sleeper, not a snooze! Meet the Bigmouth Sleeper, the natural "top dog" in Puerto Rico's streams. The name tells you all you need to know about the appearance and behavior of this underappreciated fish. Augustin (Gus) Engman from the University of Tennessee joins us again to dig further into the native fishes that inhabit the island, including what we know about this fish and how to get it on the end of your line.

Lancetfish: Solving Sea Mysteries

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

If you happen to be an unfortunate men’s size 7 Nike shoe, one of 50+ species of octopus, a big shard of plastic or rope, or any number of reef, oceanic, and deep sea fish, you might find yourself undigested in a Longnose Lancetfish’s stomach! That’s after you’ve been trapped between cage-like teeth with no get-out-of-jail-free card. That said, we’d like to give a big thank you to lancetfish for being amazing samplers of the marine environment and helping scientists understand ocean food webs and the pervasiveness of plastic pollution! Our guests are Emily Contreras with NOAA Fisheries in Honolulu and Lauren Flynn with our Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Bringin' Bloater Back!

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We're bringing bloater back...Go ahead and tell them skinny fishes that...'Cause every inch of bloater's perfect from the bottom to the top (sha-wop, wop). We've got a great episode for you about an amazing fish with a rich history in the Great Lakes: the Bloater! Brian Weidel with the U.S. Geological Survey's Great Lakes Science Center and Dimitry Gorsky from our Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office are guests.

Lake Trout: Lacustrine Lunker!

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Explore the past, present and future of the Lake Trout that inhabit North America's Great Lakes. Larry Miller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Allegheny National Fish Hatchery is our guest. On deck: Bloater (another Great Lakes native)!

Greatest Rock Basses of All Time

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

If you've come here for music, all we've got is fish (sorry no John Paul Jones or Flea). Special back stage pass to meet the four members of Ambloplites, a somewhat undervalued yet beautiful group of fishes in the sunfish family.

C'waam: Lost River Sucker

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the endangered Klamath C'waam (Lost River Sucker) with guests Don Gentry (a Natural Resources Specialist with the Klamath Tribes) and Jane Spangler (a Sucker Recovery Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

Swordfish: Lessons From Sea

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:54:00 -0400

Meet a ridiculously strong and fast fish who can warm its eyes and slash its prey. Swordfish boat captain and best-selling author Linda Greenlaw shares her insights about fishing, life at sea, and leadership.

All Aboard! Season 4

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It's a new year, and we have no shortage of new fish and guests! Jump on board as we reflect on Season 3 and go behind the scenes, cast our line towards ALL THE FISH we plan to cover in Season 4, and continue our week-by-week tour of interesting ichthyofauna with guests from all walks of life. On deck: Swordfish with Linda Greenlaw!

Snowflake Moray Eel!

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a fascinating fish that can swallow its prey on land! From California to Hawaii and beyond, Snowflake Morays are an important player in both the marine and intertidal zones. Dr. Rita Mehta, an evolutionary biologist from the University of California Santa Cruz, is our guest.

Bonytail Chub: Pencil-Peduncled Piscine!

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Bonytail Chub: an Endangered Colorado River fish with a pencil-thin peduncle and a penchant for wetlands. Zane Olson with our Ouray National Fish Hatchery and Chris Smith with our Green River Basin Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Utah join our conversation about all the fish.

Cabezon: Through the Photographer's Lens

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:27:57 -0400

Meet the Cabezon! This large "introverted" sculpin is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yuyan brings his multi-cultural perspective to a discussion about Cabezon, underwater photography, and storytelling.

Texas' Fountain Darter

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you're on campus or tubing or just curious about fish, get to know the Fountain Darter, a little Endangered fish found only in Texas' San Marcos and Comal rivers. Two guests join from our San Marcus Aquatic Resources Center: Dave Britton (Center Director) and Dr. Katie Bockrath (a geneticist and research lead for the Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program).

Atlantic Tarpon: Silver King

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

From the Florida Keys to the Sistine Chapel, this prized saltwater fish has been getting into people's heads for centuries. Author and tarpon fly fishing enthusiast Monte Burke joins the conversation to help dig into the allure of the "silver king."

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout of Pyramid Lake

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Visit Kooyooe Pa'a Panunadu (also known as Pyramid Lake) and get to know the Agi/Lahontan Cutthroat Trout! Whether it's a big or small one on the end of your line, there's much to appreciate and celebrate about this remarkable fish and place that the Numu/Northern Paiute people call home. Our guests are Autumn Harry, a Numu & Diné fishing guide, and Roger Peka, a fish biologist with our Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex in Nevada.

Cui-ui: Pyramid Lake Suckers

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a beautiful, long-lived sucker found nowhere else on Earth except Nevada's Pyramid Lake (known also as Kooyooe Pa’a Panunadu/"Cui-ui Standing Water" by the Northern Paiute people) and the lower Truckee River. We deep dive into the changes this system has seen and what's being done to conserve this endangered fish. Our guest is U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish biologist Erik Horgen.

Pacific Herring: Haida/Tlingít Perspective

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:02:42 -0400

When it's herring egg weather, a snow flurry may usher in blue skies that quickly cloud up and cast

down rain or snow. Boats are readied and hemlock branches cut. Birds, whales and sea lions converge while the herring stage to spawn. Marina Anderson from Prince of Wales Island, Alaska is our guest.

Hagfish: DIY Slime Machine!

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Hagfishes! Their superpower is producing a ridiculous amount of slime in just a fraction of a second. Dr. Douglas Fudge from Chapman University's Comparative Biomaterials Lab and Dr. Dean Grubbs from Florida State University's Coastal and Marine Laboratory join Katrina and Guy to talk about the importance of hagfish and their very special slime.

Wolf Eel: "Grandpa" Fish

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Wolf Eel: an extraordinary fish with a face resembling that of an old man. An aquarist, museum curator, and diver bring their perspectives about this monogamous (mostly), snaggletoothed ocean-dweller.

Marvelous Midwest Muskies (Muskellunge)

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Muskellunge, a so-called "green railroad tie with fins" that might inspire you to cast a ridiculously huge lure ten thousand times. Jordan Weeks from the Wisconsin DNR and Brian Herwig from Minnesota DNR bring their midwestern perspectives about musky size, genetics, behavior and more!

Humphead (Napoleon) Wrasse!

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We’d like to welcome you to the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and introduce you to an enormous coral reef fish: the Humphead (AKA Napoleon/Māori) Wrasse! Dr. Amanda Pollock helps bring to the surface the story of these fascinating fish that change sex throughout their lives and the amazing places they call home.

Atlantic Cod!

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Award-winning author Mark Kurlansky joins Katrina and Guy to celebrate the Atlantic Cod, a "down to earth" fish that once reached sizes rivaling the men who braved dangerous seas to catch them. From blessing the Vikings with strong bones to influencing the settlement patterns of New England and more, this fish has a storied past and future yet to be written. We hope you enjoy!

Arapaima: Astronomical Air-Breathing Fish

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the largest freshwater scaled fish with a face that looks like a topographical map of Mars: the Arapaima. Wait, there's more! Their swim bladder has lung-like tissue and they excrete a milk-like substance from their head. An ichthyologist who works at the Field Museum in conservation science, Dr. Lesley de Souza, takes us to the Amazon and Essequibo basins in South America to learn from the Indigenous communities there and explore the habits of this amazing fish.

Puerto Rico's Spectacular Sicydium Gobies

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know Puerto Rico’s migratory and waterfall-climbing Sicydium gobies! These amphidromous fishes are an essential part of Caribbean streams and artisanal fisheries. They also have a built-in suction cup! Guest Augustin Engman brings his perspectives about this special place and its native fishes.

Beautiful Brook Trout

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

From its vermiculated dorsum all the way to its vermillion ventrum, the Brook Trout is a most charming fish! Guests Emily Hill and Tom Hoffman are here to help us appreciate and conserve one of nature's most amazing piscine color palettes.

Fishing Adventures: Special Episode!

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

For one week and one week only Katrina and Guy discuss some of their recent best fishing adventures and what they learned. Come along as they continue their quest to get to know ALL THE FISH!

Atlantic Sturgeon: Humongous Among Us

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Like dinosaurs? Aerial acrobats? Sensitive barbeled snoots? Get to know the Atlantic Sturgeon with special guests Albert Spells and Steve Minkkinen. This humongous Endangered fish has an incredible story to tell.

Ultimate Goth Sucker (Hogsuckers)!

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

If you're into an intimate, small stream "mini golf style fishing experience" with gothic vibes, you'll want to make time for the hogsuckers! The oxblood-colored lip liner and the sunlight glinting off their sparkly scales are unforgettable. Get to know the Northern, Alabama, and Roanoke species with native fish enthusiast Corey Geving.

Candy Darter: Sweet Appalachian Fish

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the Endangered Candy Darter, one sweet Appalachian fish we'd like to see more of! Guests Andrew Phipps from our White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and Nate Owens from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources bring two complimentary perspectives about this fish, why it's special, and how to help.

Yukon River Chinook: A Gwichya Gwich'in Perspective

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:11:20 -0400

Arctic Youth Ambassador Mackenzie Englishoe from Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon, Alaska) brings her Gwichya Gwich’in perspective about Yukon River Chinook Salmon, fish camp, loss, and the future.

Common Carp: Dog of Fish

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hated by some, revered by others, get to know a fish with a rich history. From Heather the Leather to Christmas traditions, one thing is for certain...this fish is interesting! Katrina and Guy deep dive into a discussion about the Dog of Fish: the Common Carp!

Tennessee's Pretty Little Barrens Topminnow

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 02:43:00 -0400

Learn about a flat place where herds of bison and elk once grazed and a gorgeous little endangered fish is now being squeezed between a rock and a hard place. Bernie Kuhajda from the Tennessee Aquarium and Warren Stiles from our Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office are guests.

The Slow, Old Greenland Shark!

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

If you're feeling old and slow today, the Greenland Shark has you beat! In addition to being the largest Arctic fish and one of the slowest swimming sharks, they are THE LONGEST LIVING VERTEBRATE and can live for hundreds of years!! PhD student Eric Ste-Marie from the University of Windsor's Hussey Lab studies the behavior and physiology of these sharks in the Canadian Arctic and is our guest.

More shark episodes:

Cookiecutter Shark (S4:E49)
Blacktip Reef Shark (S4:E30)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (S4:E23)
Goblin Shark (S2:E42)
Salmon Shark (S1:E29)

Pygmy Sunfish: The Mini Seven

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a miniaturized group of brightly-colored fishes (jet black and electric blue anyone??) with a wiggle-waggle dance and love for tea-colored blackwaters, springs, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Find all seven species in the Southeastern U.S., including the Spring Pygmy Sunfish (a threatened Alabama endemic). Guests Mike Sandel and David Pounders join from Mississippi State University to spill all the tea about these fish.

Mooneyes & Goldeyes: Alien Curiosity

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:33:21 -0400

Minnesota guests and fish enthusiasts Eric Kolcinski and Tony Schollmeier bring their angling perspectives and enthusiasm for the uniquely shiny-eyed Mooneye and Goldeye. Flash of silver and next thing you know you're entering piscine portal into a different galaxy and eye to eye with an alien-looking fish!

Goliath Grouper: Volkswagen Beetle of Fishes

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Maxing out at around 800 pounds and eight feet long, the weight of this fish is comparable to an adult grizzly bear, American bison, or grand piano...and similarly long items include a king-sized bed and surfboard! Fish biologist Derek Cox from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joins as a guest to help shed light on the true habits of this amazing fish, as well as its complex history and management.

Mariana Snailfish: Trench Fish Extraordinaire

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:40:00 -0400

Buckle up for a trip down into the Mariana Trench to discover an amazing fish living miles beneath the surface! Learn the brilliant ways these fish survive, how scientists study these depths, and get to know the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and the people who call it their backyard. Deep sea scientist Alan Jamieson and park ranger Jihan Younis are guests.

Flathead Catfish: Chocolate, Cavities, and Constantine Samuel Rafinesque

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

If you cavity search a river or reservoir, you might meet the business end of a Flathead Catfish! In this episode, we share our favorite anatomical features and what it's like to have your hand in the mouth of this fish (ouch!). Learn what other other critters you might encounter while noodling for these cavity dwellers and how to prevent your gear from going rogue and "ghost" fishing (boo!). Fish biologists Austin Griffin and Doug Zentner from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are guests.

Red Snapper

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:54:00 -0400

Big head, broad shoulders, red emerging from deep blue. Greg Stunz (AKA Dr. Snapper) joins Katrina and Guy to chat about a beautiful, tasty, and cooperative fish: the Red Snapper! Learn a little bit of everything about this fish from its biology to management and the Great Red Snapper Count.

Bluegill: The Gateway Fish

Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A sunny fish with a pan-shaped profile, the Bluegill is an excellent "gateway" fish into fishing! Their widespread abundance and ease of being fooled makes this tasty fish a great target for fishing newbs. They're also fantastically fun on the fly or with ultralight gear for the more experienced angler. Guest Alex McCrickard from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Sam Stukel from our Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery are guests.

The Colorado River's Mega Minnow (Colorado Pikeminnow!)

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:44:00 -0400

Take a step back in time and imagine the possibility of casting a bird or rabbit into the Ovaltine-colored water of the Colorado River and reeling in a six foot long toothless, predatory fish with Mick Jagger lips: the now-Endangered Colorado Pikeminnow. We walk through history and into the present day challenges facing recovery of North America's largest Cyprinid with guests Eliza Gilbert and Dale Ryden from our New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office and Grand Junction Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.

The Man-Sized "Megafishes"

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:43:32 -0400

Dive in with the world's largest freshwater fishes on a special "megafish" episode. Our guest is Zeb Hogan: big fish enthusiast, researcher, author, host of National Geographic's Monster Fish, and director of Wonders of the Mekong Project. From American Paddlefish to Mekong Giant Catfish, we cover the array of freshwater fishes that reach lengths over six feet or weigh more than 200 pounds.

Something Fishy: Freshwater Mussels

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Is it a fish? A lure? Why is it attached to that freshwater mussel?? There's something fishy about the Unionid mussel family, and we're going to help you "flex" into the idea that these seemingly simple bivalves can dupe fish into babysitting! Our guest is mussel biologist Sara Seagraves from Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery in Arkansas. You'll take away mussel names like "snuffbox" and "monkeyface" and a new appreciation for the fascinating relationship between native freshwater mussels and fish.

Tuna: a Hawaiian Perspective

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

From pre-contact times to today, tuna have interacted with the people of Hawaii. William Aila shares his knowledge about traditional and contemporary fishing techniques and dishes, management and conservation. This episode offers a window into the lives of these fish in the Pacific Ocean, cultural connections to them, and a local perspective of a globally significant group of fishes.

Ancient Eats: Royal Lamprey Pie!

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

If you travel from Alaska to the Eastern Seaboard and across the pond to England, you're in lamprey country! Lampreys are an important First Food for Indigenous peoples and have a rich history across their native and invasive range. This episode is all about the famous royal lamprey pies of Gloucester, a rather recent connection to the North American Great Lakes, and a prelude to the coronation of Charles the Third.

Roanoke Logperch

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

You'll love this aloof little fish with the bulbous, piggy snout. Roanoke Logperches are built for rooting around and flipping things over in search of food. This episode covers everything from cuter-than-baby-Yoda juvenile logperches and their precarious habitats to headwater piracy (!) and the Endangered Species Act. Special shout out to the Roanoke Basin endemics and near endemics (this place is a hotspot!). Guest Jamie Roberts from Georgia Southern University enthusiastically shares his knowledge and love for this fish.

4/1/2024 update: Based on a review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the Roanoke Logperch is no longer at risk of extinction and has announced a proposal remove this species from endangered species list. This proposal is largely a result of successful Roanoke Logperch surveys and aquatic-restoration projects led by the Service and its partners.

River Herring Return: A Spring Wonder

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Do you like eagles and ospreys? Seals? Striped bass, bluefish and tuna? Add alewives and blueback herring to your list (collectively called "river herring"). A seasonal food for the masses, tens of millions of these shimmery, migratory fish used to return to New England's freshwaters. Our guests are Steve Gephard and Jaime Masterson.

Herbivore and More: The Chiselmouth!

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a lesser-known (but not less cool) Pacific Northwest fish with a unique face and primarily herbivorous feeding behavior. Chiselmouth enthusiast Denny Lassuy and fisherman/author Matt Miller to help us dig into Chiselmouth ecology and how to catch one.

Mexican Tetra: Surface Swimming to Spelunking

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:25:22 -0400

Beautiful on the surface and fascinating underground, the Mexican Tetra has an incredible story as told by our guests Dr. Paty Ornelas from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Dr. Andy Gluesenkamp from the San Antonio Zoo!

Freshwater Drum: Thank Your Lucky Stones

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Freshwater Drum (AKA "sheepshead") has a song to sing and a story to tell. Fishermen Drew Geving and Josh Knuth of Native Fish for Tomorrow recall their favorite memories of this accessible, widespread and sometimes underappreciated fish. Whether it's their strange sounds reverberating through your aluminum canoe, or their "lucky stones" or a tasty campfire fillet, we hope you get hooked (in a good way).

You might also like S2:E25 about the percussive Red Drum. Jay Shelton is our guest.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/freshwater-drum-great-grunting-gaspergoo

Char-dcore Dolly Varden: Isolated Arctic Dwarfs

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the little Dolly Varden char that eke out their living in the perennial springs of Northeast Alaska. Here, these amazing freshwater oases hold the key to survival for fish. Randy Brown, a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alex Huryn from the University of Alabama join as guests.

The All-Female Amazon Molly

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Amazon mollies are an all-female fish named after the tribe of warlike women in Greek mythology. However, the females do require sperm, so they do have to convince males of other related species to mate with them. What's in it for these males? How did this come to be?? Listen and find out with special guest Dr. Ingo Schlupp, Presidential Professor from the University of Oklahoma and Director of the International Stock Center of Livebearing Fishes.

Yellow Perch: Friday Fish Fry

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Yellow Perch enthusiast Erin Huggins joins us to talk about "the people's fish" (it's a real beauty). We hope you're hungry and ready to hear about a Midwest tradition: the Friday fish fry!

Lionfish! Not Your Mane Squeeze

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

You: minding your business. Lionfish: corners you with flamboyant fins, shoots a jet of water at your lateral line. You: discombobulated. Lionfish: strikes. You: toast. Lionfish: moves on to its next victim. We're celebrating the scientists, lionfish hunters, cooks and consumers doing their part to make a dent in the invasive lionfish situation. Learn all about this beautiful, venomous, invasive species with guests Rachel Bowman and Holden Harris.

California Killifish: Wee King of the Salt Marsh

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet a serious player in the salt-marsh ecosystems of the Pacific coast! You'll find the Cali Killi migrating with the tides and feeding everything from Least Terns to California Halibut. Drew Talley from the University of San Diego helps shed light on a small but hugely important fish and what it's teaching us about California's remaining coastal wetlands.

Sacramento Perch: California's Heritage Sunfish!

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the only Centrarchid endemic to California! This underappreciated and intriguing game fish continues to swim under the radar in its native California. Guests Peter Moyle (UC Davis) and Max Fish (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) bring Sacramento Perch to the conversation about all the fish!

Razorback Sucker: Colorado River Livin'

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Looking sharp! Maybe the "razor" of this Colorado River fish serves as a keel. Or perhaps it deters another local fish (the Colorado Pikeminnow) from an easy meal. Whatever its purpose, we're a sucker for this big, long-lived, wetland-loving fish with the vermicelli-looking larvae. Our guest Tildon Jones joins from our Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program in Utah.

Rainbow Trout!

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Taste the rainbow, or just enjoy its opportunistic and adventurous spirit! Learn the fate of a family of misfortunate shrews in Alaska; where rainbows fall on the fish family tree; and ponder why some members of the species get "called to sea."

Opah! Warmest Fish in the Cold Blue Sea

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This polka-dotted piscine anomaly is the only fish known to science capable of whole-body endothermy. Dr. Nick Wegner from our sister agency NOAA Fisheries joins us to discover the secrets of the amazing opah.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/opah-warmest-fish-cold-blue-sea

Lingcod: Pacific Coast "Buckethead"

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the largest member of the greenling family. Alaska Department of Fish and Game guests Donnie Arthur and Brittany Blain join Katrina and Guy to dive into the lifestyle of this large, aggressive marine fish.

Reflections & Casting Forward

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

As we reflect on bright spots from Season 2, we also cast our lines towards Season 3 and #AllTheFish we're excited to cover!

Walleyes!

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Usher in the new year with a popular, shiny-eyed North American fish and our very own take on the "Walleye Drop" (who needs a ball when you can have a big fish?).

Goldfish Gone Wild

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

How well do you REALLY know your goldfish? We have some real suprises for you! Christine Boston from Fisheries and Oceans Canada joins Katrina and Guy to talk about a common fish that's not just in our aquariums anymore.

Special 100th! Pallid Sturgeon

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Hi. Pallid Sturgeon here. Just been hanging out doing sturgeon things since before the dinosaurs went extinct...Migrating. Living a long time. Growing about as long as the average man is tall. Using my specialized snout to help me find food in murky waters...Get into the mind of this amazing fish with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams and our Missouri River Coordinator Wayne NelsonStastny.

America's Pickerels

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the ornery little cousins of the Northern Pike and Musky: the pickerels!

Broad Whitefish: Trade & Tablefare

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Dried, boiled, or frozen with seal oil, the broad whitefish is a vital table fare here in Alaska. Ernest Nageak brings his Iñupiat perspective to the table, while Jason Leppi sheds light on some science surrounding this elusive, migratory fish.

Blue Sucker: Fish Nerd's Fish

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the linebacker of the suckers with the redonkulous peduncle...the musky of the Catostomids...papa papillose himself...THE BLUE SUCKER!! Guests T. David Ritter and Zach Shattuck from Montana join Katrina and Guy to peek into the life of this amazing fish.

Prince of Wales Island Sockeye Salmon

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Head to Prince of Wales Island, Alaska—a temperate rainforest where moss grows thick on giant trees and Sockeye Salmon are the "lifeblood" of this special place. Guests Quinn Aboudara and Andy Stevens bring their perspectives.

First Food: Pacific Lamprey

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It's not a flute. That jawless mouth is not an embouchure hole and those aren’t finger holes either...they lead to gills. It's a Pacific Lamprey. First food. Medicine. Suction cup extraordinaire. Get to know the Pacific Lamprey with guests Kelly Coates (Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians) and Jeremy FiveCrows (Nez Perce Tribe).

Beneath the City: North America's Blindcats

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Learn what's swimming deep beneath San Antonio. Hint: Satan's not alone down there! Dr. Dean Hendrickson (Curator of Ichthyology at the University of Texas's Biodiversity Center) joins Katrina and Guy to bring light to North America’s blindcats.

Goblin Sharks: Life in the Slow Lane

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It's deep. It's dark. A big, soft, pink body is barely disturbing the water. You don't even know it's coming. You're not worried. Then its jaws shoot out of its mouth super fast! And that's how it gets you. Goblin Shark! Marine biologist Vicky Vásquez joins Katrina and Guy to talk about this very cool shark.

If you like sharks, you might like these episodes!

Cookiecutter Shark (S4:E49)
Blacktip Reef Shark (S4:E30)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (S4:E23)
Greenland Shark (S3:E29)
Salmon Shark (S1:E29)

Read more about goblin sharks: https://www.fws.gov/story/goblin-sharks

Utah's One and Only June Sucker

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:00:01 -0400

Head to the former "greatest sucker pond in the universe" where old timey ichthyologist David Starr Jordan once got his boat stuck on a shoal of suckers. Russ Franklin with the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program and Chris Keleher from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are guests.

Arizona-Grown Apache Trout

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:00:05 -0400

Picture it: a small, high elevation stream surrounded by ponderosa pines, Douglas fir and aspens. A beautiful spotted Arizona native trout. Get to know the Apache Trout with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish biologists Bradley Clarkson (also a White Mountain Apache Tribe member) and Zac Jackson.

Tennessee's Snail Darter

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 04:05:50 -0400

This little brown fish with a penchant for escargot has one of the most interesting legal histories in the United States. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Warren Stiles (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and David Matthews (Tennessee Valley Authority/not the singer) for a conversation about history and hope.

Molas: solar-powered fish with jellies in their bellies

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The mega-sized Molas like the ocean sunfish may look like lazy half fish with no tails. But don't be fooled! They have an active agenda and are capable of burst speeds, launching their massive bodies out of the ocean, and diving thousands of feet. Marine biologist, science communicator and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Tierney Thys shares her knowledge and passion for the Molids and the mysteries of the sea.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/solar-powered-fish-jellies-their-bellies-molas

Fish On! Falling for Fallfish

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

You're going to totally fall for this brassy, aggressive underdog sometimes referred to as the Shenandoah Tarpon or James River Bonefish. Join Katrina and Guy for a lively conversation about fallfish with avid fisherman/record holder Josh Dolin, state fisheries biologist Mike Pinder, and researcher/professor Dr. Eugene Maurakis.

Scraping & Shimmering: The Stonerollers

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Retired Kennesaw State University biology professor Bill Ensign joins Katrina and Guy to chat about a splendid group of fishes called the stonerollers. What sets these fish apart is a cartilaginous shelf on their lower lip that serves as a scraper. They shimmer like stars as they turn from side to side scraping their bottom jaw against rocks in the rivers where they feed.

Flying Fish!

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

When you're prey for fast underwater predators sometimes the best option is to catch an updraft and leave them behind! Katrina and Guy dig into the flying fish and the mechanics behind their "flight."

Gone Fishing!

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:49:42 -0400

We'll be back September 5th. Get out there and enjoy all the fish!

Channel Catfish!

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

If you're a catfish, and there's a party, how will you enjoy the cake? We'll answer this question and delve into the superhero-ish senses of this popular fish...as well as how to catch one.

Alaska's Wild Salmon: An Unangax̂ Perspective

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Maria Dosal, an Unangax̂ mother and fisherman from King Cove, Alaska who now resides in Dillingham shares her perspectives and love for Alaska's wild salmon.

The Rio Grande (Texas) Cichlid

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Texas fly fisherman and guide Chris Johnson joins the conversation about the United State's only native cichlid. Learn all about the ecology of this blue-speckled, aggressive beauty and how to catch one on the fly.

Long Valley Speckled Dace: A Cryptic Desert Fish

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Cryptic desert fishes...they're so cool! Katrina and Guy chat with Rosa Cox and Kaylan Hager about a type of dace with a unique population found in the Eastern Sierras.

You might also like our episode featuring the Devils Hole Pupfish (S1:E46)!

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/conserving-small-desert-fish-no-small-feat

Lumpsuckers: Nature's Cutest Suction Cup

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know a group of orb-like marine fishes called lumpsuckers! Ketchikan, Alaska artist Ray Troll joins Katrina and Guy to share his love for these charismatic fish.

Great Lakes Cisco (Lake Herring)

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Pack your bags, we're headed to the Michigan side of Lake Huron to talk Coregonus artedii with fisheries biologist Kevin McDonnell. This silvery fish with angled pupils and an underbite has a rich history in the Great Lakes region and a future yet to be written.

Crappies!

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy have a crappie (not crappy) conversation about the two species of North American freshwater fish in the genus Pomoxis...the black and white crappie! From the etymology of "paper mouth" and "Sac a Lait" to some common objects that weight the same as a very large black crappie, you'll find everything you need to know about these fish, including how to catch and cook them!

Alaska Pollock: Face Behind Ye Fillet o' Fish

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the fish likely behind ye fillet o'fish, your favorite fish sticks, and surimi: the Alaska Pollock, a fish who finds its home in the north Pacific Ocean, especially the Bering Sea. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Ray Hilborn from the University of Washington and Jim Ianelli from NOAA to dig deep into the management of this abundant and amazing fish.

The Percussive Red Drum (redfish)

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you prefer a good drum circle around your kayak or going on a Cajun sleigh ride, this percussive coastal fish will have you hooked! Katrina and Guy cover it all with University of Georgia fisheries professor and redfish aficionado, Jay Shelton.

If you're interested in the "Texas Slam" you might also like S2:E25 on Southern Flounder!

Read more about wetland-loving fish: ttps://www.fws.gov/story/four-fish-who-want-you-wet-your-plantsh:

Topeka Shiner: Little Fish, Big Story

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

From oxbows to farmers and a must-visit hatchery, this little fish has a big story to tell. Guests Roderick May from our Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Missouri and Heidi Kueler from our La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wisconsin join the conversation.

Big Skates: Roombas of the Ocean

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Meet the largest skate in the waters off North America with a very clever name (Big Skate). These "Roombas of the ocean" can reach the size of an average (but very flat!) man and also have super-sized mermaid purses that hold multiple embryos. Our guest Thomas Farrugia walks us through the basic differences between skates and rays and then we dive into the specifics of this very cool fish.

Bigmouth Buffalo: Misunderstood Centenarian Fish

Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This exceptional fish can live to be well over 100 years old and still be advancing into its prime as it approaches centenarian status! Reaching a size equivalent to a 4th grader, this misunderstood member of the sucker family is often confused with non-native carp. Learn how to tell the difference and really get to know this very cool North American-made fish. Tyler Winter and Alec Lackmann are guests

Gambusia (Mosquitofish)

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

No guests, just two friendly fish nerds chatting about gambusia. This mosquito-killing, live-birthing relative of popular aquarium fish like guppies, mollies, platys and swordtails has a fish tale for you! (and a very modified anal fin called a gonopodium). At the very least, you're going to learn a couple new words for Scrabble.

American Shad: Running Silver

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

American shad/Oh the migrations you've had/Rivers ran silver. Katrina and Guy talk migratory fish, rivers and history with John Waldman, an aquatic conservation biologist, writer, and professor.

Redeye Bass: "Trout of Alabama"

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It's not just trout that live in beautiful places. Redeye bass (commonly called the “trout of Alabama” according to this episode's guest) can be found in clear, rocky, higher-elevation streams enveloped by vegetation like mountain laurel and rhododendron. Matt Lewis from Auburn University School of Fisheries helps us dig into redeye bass species and how to best experience this very spectacular group/complex of fishes!

Moi of Molokai (Pacific Threadfin)

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo share their Hawaiian perspectives about Moi (Pacific Threadfin) and the fishponds of Molokai.

Bowfin: Beauty Beneath the Bow

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk talk bowfin with Tony Brady from Welaka National Fish Hatchery in Florida. This aggressive, neat fish is the only living member of the order Amiiformes, and has been making a living on Earth since about when the first birds are seen in the fossil record. Listeners will come away with a greater appreciation for this sometimes underappreciated fish!

Pacific Footballfish: A Deep Sea Treasure

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This big, black blob of a fish comes with its own fishing rod! Dr. Ben Frable (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and Dr. Bill Ludt (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) join Katrina and Guy for a lively discussion about the ecology and behavior of this deep-sea anglerfish species (and what to do if you find one on the beach).

Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse): A Cherokee Perspective

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The Cherokee people call this large southeastern fish Ugiidatli ("wears/has a feather"). Redhorses, including the Sicklefin, are also sometimes referred to as the "salmon of the south" due to their spawning migrations, size, and importance. Hear Indigenous perspectives about this culturally-significant fish, the rivers they inhabit, and how to help support endangered languages by learning and using Indigenous fish and place names. Caleb Hickman (a citizen of the Cherokee Nation/biologist with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and Michael LaVoie (Natural Resources Manager for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) are guests.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/fish-wears-feather

Rio Grande Suckers

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

When Gunnison sage-grouse are all puffed up and strutting their stuff on the lekking grounds, the Rio Grande Sucker is putting on its coat and getting ready for the big dance. Cole Brittain and Paul Jones join from Colorado to talk about this fish and the amazing place it calls home.

The Southeast's Secretive Smoky Madtom

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Like annual flowers, most Smoky Madtoms only live a year. One of the smallest of the madtom catfishes, these cuties can also sting like a bee. Katrina and Guy talk with guests Peggy Shute and Patrick Rakes who've spent many years getting to know this secretive southeastern fish.

West Virginia's Diamond Darter

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Shine bright like a diamond...darter. Katrina and Guy head to West Virginia to meet the man who described and named the sparkly, nocturnal Diamond Darter. Not gonna lie, we nerd out with guest Stuart Welsh.

Pacific Salmon (with a side of Striped Bass) with Jeff Corwin

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

American biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin joins Katrina and Guy to talk about Pacific salmon and some of his Atlantic Coast faves. From Alaska to Massachusetts, there are many ways to connect with and appreciate the amazing fish in your own backyard!

Coelacanths!

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy depart from their usual focus on North American fishes to talk about the coelacanth, a fish different from all the rest. The conversation covers coelacanths in the larger context of celebrating all the fish, new discoveries, instances where women have made incredible contributions to the field of ichthyology.

The Snakehead Dilemma

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy dive into the Snakehead dilemma with Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Longear Sunfish: Slab-Sided Beauty

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Put on your shades and learn about one of North America's most colorful fish, the Longear Sunfish. Sunfish enthusiast and Ohio State University research associate Brian Zimmerman joins Katrina and Guy to talk about this captivating beauty.

Bluehead Chubs: Dressed Up & Ready to Nest

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

All dressed up in blue with horns, the male bluehead chub painstakingly moves stones to build a nest the whole neighborhood can appreciate. Katrina and Guy are joined by bluehead chub enthusiast Michael Wolfe with the North American Native Fishes Association.

Humpback Chubs: Colorado River Swimmer

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

While the Colorado River has been cutting dramatic canyons in the Southwest for millions of years, so too has a very special fish been carving its existence in those waters. It may be a bit odd-looking, but those looks have utility. Mike Pillow from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office joins Katrina and Guy to chat about the humpback chub.

The Odoriferous Delta Smelt

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Whoever smelt the Delta Smelt dealt it...and it smells like cucumbers! Katrina and Guy talk with special guest Katherine Sun about this uniquely odoriferous California fish and its delta home.

Scalyhead Sculpin feat. Thaddaeus Buser

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Big personality in a small, pokey, camouflaged package! Dive into a conversation about one of the most accessible and dominant intertidal groups of fishes, sculpins, and one member in particular: the scalyhead. Katrina and Guy are joined by guest Dr. Thaddaeus Buser, a diver, researcher, and sculpin enthusiast/3D skull reconstructionist.

Sea Lamprey: it's complicated!

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation about the duality of Sea Lamprey, a prehistoric fish with a complicated reputation across its natural and introduced range. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Stephen Coghlan (University of Maine) and Marc Gaden (Great Lakes Fishery Commission) to tackle this nuanced topic through the lens of science and history.

Arr Matey, it's the Pirate Perch!

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

What's a pirate’s favorite letter? You might think it’d be R but ’tis the C they love! On this episode, Katrina and Guy discuss the Pirate Perch. They arrr a mysterious, anatomically unique, chemically camouflaged freshwater fish found along the east coast of the United States and the backwater areas of the Mississippi Valley.

Behind the Scenes: Back Cast, Fish Forward!

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:05:30 -0400

Katrina, Guy and friends share favorite moments from Season 1 and offer a sneak peek into Season 2. Go behind the scenes and learn how the co-hosts and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service production partner Citizen Racecar turn fun, in-depth conversations with guests into digestible stories about ALL THE FISH.

Holiday Darters: Making Streams Merry & Bright

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina, Guy, and special guest Dr. Brett Albanese from Georgia DNR's Freshwater Biodiversity Program take a deep dive into the life of a particularly festive fish: the holiday darter. Considered "the warblers of the fish world" by some, these tiny, dazzling fishes make southeastern U.S. streams merry and bright.

Pre-Contact Chum Salmon Management

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This episode takes a special angle on Chum Salmon. Jesse Morin and Michelle George from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation join Katrina and Guy to talk about an early form of fisheries management by pre-contact Indigenous peoples.

Jigging for Tomcod (Uuġaq)

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Jimmy Evak from Kotzebue, Alaska joins Katrina and Guy to talk about what’s known in his "neck of the tundra" as tomcod/uuġaq. You'll get an audio show-and-tell of Jimmy’s handmade willow jigging sticks, fish he's caught, and learn about the importance of this northern fish to local community members.

Big and Beautiful: Bull Trout

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk Bull Trout with two guests who have dedicated much of their professional lives to this fascinating species: Dan Brewer and Stephanie Gunckel. These big, beautiful fish of the Pacific Northwest take their habitat clean, cold, connected and complex.

Fishing Mudsharks with Traditional Traps

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Mudsharks! Depending where you live, these bottom-dwelling, single-whiskered fish are also known as burbot, ling, eelpout, cusk, and, in the Kobuk area of Alaska, "Tiktaalik" (the list goes on). Guest Raymond Woods, Iñupiaq Program Coordinator for the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, shares his knowledge about traditional under-ice trapping techniques for this amazing, important fish.

Lake Chubs: North America's Northernmost True Minnow

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk with micro-fishing enthusiast/fisheries ecologist Dr. Kevin Fraley about North America's northernmost true minnow, and Alaska's one and only, the Lake Chub! This itty bitty popular snack fish for myriad wildlife can be caught both on the fly and through the ice. Time to add a new species to your life list!

Devils Hole Pupfish: A Tiny Oasis

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We're taking a journey to a tiny oasis in the Nevada desert, where a blue gem of a fish ekes out a living in extreme conditions. From earthquakes in Alaska to water rights and intruders' boxer shorts, these fish are both isolated from and connected to events way beyond their small geography of existence. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Jenny Gumm and National Park Service's Kevin Wilson join the conversation as guests.

You might also like our Owens Pupfish episode (S4:E39)!

Humpback Whitefish: Athabascan Fish Camp

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know the humpback-iest of Alaska's whitefish and local favorite. Guest Travis David from Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge shares his Athabascan perspective and takes Katrina and Guy to fish camp.

Mysteries of the American Eel

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The American eel starts its mysterious life in the Sargasso Sea before making its way into rivers along the Eastern Seaboard. Katrina and Guy are joined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish enthusiast and eel fan Holly Richards.

Zombie Salmon!

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

For this special Halloween episode, Katrina and Guy are creeping into a conversation about the underappreciated end-of-life and after-life phases of the salmon life cycle. You won't want to miss the scoop on zombie salmon, brain-eating bears, and and salmon graveyards!

Read more & see visuals: https://www.fws.gov/story/zombie-salmon

Cohos of Alaska's Delta Clearwater River

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Catch the scoop on the late salmon run in some of the clearest waters of Interior Alaska. We're talking about the amazing Coho Salmon that make it a thousand miles up the Yukon River to the Delta Clearwater River. Katrina and Guy are joined by guest Brandy Baker from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Whitefish: Traditional Iñupiaq Fish Trapping

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk with Cyrus Harris from Sisaulik, Alaska about whitefish, coastal lagoons, and traditional Iñupiaq fish trapping techniques.

Sucker Lovers

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy are suckers for a good conversation about Catostomidae. From those fleshy lips to their pharyngeal teeth, this episode about freshwater suckers is sure to appeal to all you fish enthusiasts out there.

Sheefish Science in Selawik National Wildlife Refuge

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Fisheries biologists Ray Hander and Bill Carter highlight the current state of knowledge about Alaska's Selawik River sheefish population and how a permafrost thaw slump upstream of the spawning grounds may be impacting recruitment and subsistence fisheries.

Striped Bass: Superstar Perciform

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk with Dr. Mike Armstrong from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries about a popular anadromous fish, the "fishiest looking fish" - the striped bass! We're talking everything from lifecycle to management of this superstar perciform.

Bering Cisco: Alaska's Fish

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy chat with Dr. Randy Brown about the fascinating Bering Cisco. Worldwide, there are only three known spawning populations of this fish and all occur in Alaska. From new discoveries to a rise in popularity in the kosher markets of New York City, this is a fish story you won't want to miss!

Ratfish: Join the Chimaera Club

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"It's a very small, exclusive and very cool club, you know, the Chimaera club." Ray Troll, an artist known best for his scientific surrealism, talks with Katrina and Guy about the otherworldly ratfish and how fish inspire his art.

Gila Trout: New Mexico's Sunset Fish

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk with Jill Wick from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Trevor Luna from the Mora National Fish Hatchery about Gila Trout, a fish described as taking its colors "from the New Mexico sunset." We cover a variety of topics from how the fire/monsoon season impacts these fish to recovery efforts and the range of fishing experiences to be had. Enjoy!

Pacific Halibut: Both Sides of the Fish

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Get to know both sides of the fish who's eyes migrate to the topside of their head as they grow. Katrina and Guy talk with Claude Dykstra (a research biologist with the International Pacific Halibut Commission) about this beautiful, interesting, and tasty fish.

Yukon River Fall Chum Salmon

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy are joined by Andy Bassich from Eagle, Alaska to talk all about fall Chum Salmon (and a little bit about dog teams too!). Learn about these important fish and their amazing migration from someone who's been living with and depending on them for over 30 years.

Alaska's Big-Finned Arctic Grayling

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Andy Gryska from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game joins Katrina and Guy to dig deeper into the biology and behavior of the beautiful, big-finned Arctic Grayling (earlier, we heard from Joanne Bryant, who shared her Gwich'in/Athabaskan perspectives). Andy also shares his favorite grayling recipe!

Pink Salmon: Humpies of Southeast Alaska

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Our guest Mark Hieronymus has a soft spot for Pink Salmon. A great beginner fish, we discuss angling techniques and learn more about Pink Salmon ecology in Southeast Alaska.

Columbia River Steelhead

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk Columbia River Steelhead Trout, high temperatures, and everything in between with Nate Wiese, the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Salmon Sharks!

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scientists Cindy Tribuzio (NOAA Fisheries) and Sabrina Garcia (Alaska Department of Fish and Game) join the conversation about all the fish to talk about a rad smaller cousin of the great white shark!

For more sharks, check out these episodes!

Cookiecutter Shark (S4:E49)
Blacktip Reef Shark (S4:E30)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (S4:E23)
Greenland Shark (S3:E29)
Goblin Shark (S2:E42)

Sculpins!

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy banter and nerd out about all the sculpins...from tiny "chickens of the stream" to the warty, antlered, lavishly-colored marine species. Sculpins are, in a word: cool! Get to know this underappreciated, fascinating group of fishes.

Arctic Grayling: Fishing with Grandpa

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Joanne Bryant (Ditsuh Taii) from Arctic Village, Alaska brings her Gwichʼin/Athabaskan perspectives to talk about Arctic Grayling, culture, and also shares a story about fishing for this spectacular sail-finned beauty with her grandpa.

Science of Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy talk with Dr. Daniel Schindler, a professor from the University of Washington, about wild sockeye salmon in Alaska's Bristol Bay region. We dive into the "portfolio effect" and what drives sustainability of this amazing resource. We previously heard from Orville Lind who focused on culture and fishing.

Bristol Bay Sockeyes: Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Perspective

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Orville Lind, who hails from Chignik, Alaska, gives insight into fishing and the cultural importance of Bristol Bay's wild sockeye salmon fishery.

Bad 'dads: Kodiak Island's Invasive Crawdads

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The Signal Crayfish has made itself at home after being introduced to Alaska's Kodiak Island. Guests include Matt van Daele (Tribal Biologist at Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak), Jeff Woods (a crayfish fisherman and police officer), and Tammy Davis (Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game).

Wild Sea-Run Atlantic Salmon

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Wild Atlantic Salmon have seen a lot of changes over recent centuries, but efforts are underway to restore their habitats and the amazing community of native sea-run fishes to which they belong. Guests Dan McCaw (Penobscot Indian Nation) and Rory Saunders (NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service) join the conversation.

Lake Sturgeon: Big Fish Story

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Guests Paige Wigren, Jennifer Johnson, and Justin Chiotti from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Alpena Office recount the catching of a massive Lake Sturgeon in the Detroit River.

Spring is Here: Northern Pike

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We're joined by pike fishing enthusiast Andy Stevens. We'll give you the scoop on fishing for Northern Pike during that transition time when ice is giving way to open water, including three main factors to consider: temperature, weeds, and bait size. Happy fishing!

King of the Kenai: Chinook Salmon

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In 1985 Les Anderson of Soldotna, Alaska landed the all-tackle world record Chinook Salmon that topped the scales at nearly 100lbs. Guests Andy Loranger (former Refuge Manager at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge) and fish biologist Jim Boersma from our Kenai office discuss Kenai River kings today.

The Remarkable Stickleback

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Alaska born and raised, Dr. Frank von Hippel joins Katrina and Guy to talk about a fascinating and important fish: stickleback! This fish may come in a tiny package, but what it can teach us spans a huge array of topics, from evolution to parental care and ecotoxicology.

Salvation Fish: Eulachon Bring Spring and Fresh Hope

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Behold the oily little fish that brings people together each spring. Guests Ted Hart from the Chilkoot lndian Association and Meredith Pochardt from Haines, Alaska bring their perspectives

Called to Sea: Steelhead Trout Answer

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Head to Southeast Alaska with us for a conversation about a special variety of Rainbow Trout: the Steelhead! Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Mark Hieronymus (Trout Unlimited) and retired Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Roger Harding.

Sturgeon: Living Dinosaurs of the Pacific Coast

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We're talking about a couple of "living dinosaurs" that range from Alaska down to California. Join Katrina and Guy for a conversation with guests Laura Heironimus and Ken Lepla about Green and White Sturgeon.

Sablefish: Denizens of the Deep

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kodiak-born angler Stewart Valladolid gave an enthusiastic “Sablefish all the way to the grill!” when Katrina asked him which fish we wanted to talk about. So that's our fish of the week, Alaska's denizen of the deep, also known locally as black cod.

Rockfish Rundown: Pelagics & Non-Pelagics

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

How well do you really know your marine rockfish? Learn more about the difference between pelagics and non-pelagics, with an up-close look at Black Rockfish and Yelloweye. From catching and eating these fish to barotrauma and deepwater release, we cover it all with Brittany Blain from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

If you like this Alaska episode, you might like our California episode featuring Cowcod (S4:E35).

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/rockfish-rundown

Alligator Gar with "The Gar Guy" (part 2)

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy continue their conversation with Dr. Solomon David, with a focus on fishing, safety and eating gar. If you missed part 1, it's all about gar biology.

Alligator Gar with "The Gar Guy" (part 1)

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Pack your bags and head to Louisiana to learn about Alligator Gars with special guest Dr. Solomon David. Part 1 is all about the biology of these amazing fish that have swimming the Earth since before actual alligators.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This fish isn't ruthless like the name suggests, but does have a splash of red on their lower jaw from which its name originates. Katrina and Guy chat about all the Cutthroat Trout, including Alaska's subspecies, the Coastal Cut.

Still feeling cutthroat? Check out our S3:E47 episode on Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Our guests are Numu & Diné fishing guide Autumn Harry and Nevada fish biologist Roger Peka.

Read more about the cutthroats: https://www.fws.gov/story/spiciest-trout-west

Catch more trout episodes!

Steelhead Trout (S1:E17)
Gila Trout (S1:E35)
Bull Trout (S1:E49)
Apache Trout (S4:E42 & S2:E40)
Rainbow Trout (S3:E4)
Brook Trout (S3:E37)
Mexico's Native Trout (S4:E10)
Brown Trout (S4:28)
Redband Trout (S4:E45)

Winter Kings of Kachemak Bay

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Holly Dickson and Mike Booz, Sport Fish Area Managers in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Homer Office, join to talk about winter fishing for King (Chinook) Salmon by boat in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.

Sockeye Salmon Preppers

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katrina and Guy are dreaming about the Alaska summer and fishing for Sockeyes...this week's episode focuses on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season including prepping your gear and making space in your freezer.

Dolly Varden of Izembek Refuge

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Matt Nielsen joins from Cold Bay/Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to talk Dolly Varden char and how the rivers can get a little "furry" with bears.

Need more Dolly? S3:E11 digs deeper into the lives of dwarf Dolly Varden char that eke out their living in the perennial springs of Northeast Alaska. Here, these amazing freshwater oases hold the key to survival for fish. Randy Brown, a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alex Huryn from the University of Alabama are guests.

Read more:

https://www.fws.gov/story/dandy-dollies-far-north-alaska

https://www.fws.gov/story/fish-fasts-20-months-chance-love

Lake Trout: Lessons from the Lake

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Lake Trout fisherman and Alaska fishery biologist Jarred Stone joins us to talk about all things lakers! Learn more about Lake Trout biology, fishing, and some different ways to smoke and eat this fish.

If you like didn't get enough Lake Trout in this episode and need more, S4:E5 "Lake Trout: Lacustrine Lunker!" explores the past, present and future of the Lake Trout that inhabit North America's Great Lakes. Larry Miller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Allegheny National Fish Hatchery is our guest.

Sheefish: Ice Fishing Alaska's Largest Whitefish

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Siikauraq Martha Whiting of Kotzebue joins Katrina and Guy to talk about sheefish, Alaska's largest whitefish: Sheefish/Inconnu! Learn about fishing through the ice with niksiks made of moose ribs and driftwood and hear about some amazing Alaskan meals and methods of preparation.

If you like this episode you might also like S1:E39 "Sheefish Science in Selawik National Wildlife Refuge." Fisheries biologists Ray Hander and Bill Carter highlight the current state of knowledge about Alaska's Selawik River sheefish population and concerns that a permafrost thaw slump upstream of the spawning grounds might be impacting sheefish recruitment and subsistence fisheries.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/winter-sheefish-ice-fishing-alaskas-largest-whitefish

Alaska's Ancient Lampreys

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Why change a good thing? These primitive, jawless fish have been making a splash since long before dinosaurs. Trent Sutton from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Sabrina Garcia from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game bring their knowledge about Alaska's species.

Love lamprey? We have more episodes you might enjoy

S2:E3 "Sea Lamprey: It's Complicated!" digs into the duality of Sea Lamprey, a prehistoric fish with a complicated reputation across its natural and introduced range. Guests Stephen Coghlan (University of Maine) and Marc Gaden (Great Lakes Fishery Commission) help tackle this nuanced topic through the lens of science and history.
S2:E44 "First Food: Pacific Lamprey" discusses the amazing Pacific Lamprey with guests Kelly Coates (Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians) and Jeremy FiveCrows (Nez Perce Tribe).
S3:E17 "Ancient Eats: Royal Lamprey Pie" takes listeners across the pond to England to learn about the famous royal lamprey pies of Gloucester, a rather recent connection to the North American Great Lakes, and a prelude to the coronation of Charles the Third.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/note-lampreys

Coho Salmon: Kid-Friendly Winter Fishing Tips

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Looking for a way to beat the winter blues and teach a young person important life skills? Try ice fishing! We highlight stocked Coho Salmon in Anchorage, Alaska lakes as a jumping off point to learn how to keep kids happy and entertained on the ice, but these tips are widely applicable.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/tips-kid-friendly-winter-fishing

Alaska Blackfish: The Arctic's Air Breathing Fish

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This hardy fish comes in a tiny package and is one of the few fishes in the world that can “breathe” atmospheric oxygen. Guest Luke Byker helps us get to know this cool Arctic fish.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/alaska-blackfish

Burbot: Sing-Song Gadoid

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Picture it: You're a Burbot. It's dark and cold under the ice. You're loving life, spawning, vocalizing with other Burbot to a similar beat of your closely-related marine cod relatives. We like you a "Lota lota" (get it? Their scientific name?).

You might also like S1:E48 "Fishing Mudsharks with Traditional Traps" (also about Burbot). Iñupiaq guest Raymond Woods shares his knowledge about traditional under-ice trapping techniques for this amazing, important fish.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/burbot-singsong-gadoid

Northern Pike!

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Toothy and sleek, there are all kinds of aggressive nicknames for this sit-and-wait predatory fish: Northacuda. Slough Shark. Hammer Handle. Water Wolf. Season 1 is Alaska-focused so this episode talks about Northern Pike generally across the state.

Later in Season 1 (episode 21) We're joined by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guest Andy Stevens. You'll get the scoop on fishing for Northern Pike during that transition time when ice is giving way to open water, including three main factors to consider: temperature, weeds, and bait size.

Read more and get recipe ideas: "Wintertime fun and table fare with a toothy ambush predator" https://www.fws.gov/story/northern-pike

Coming Soon!

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:35:22 -0400

Direct from Alaska, it's Fish of the Week! Episodes begin January 4th, 2021.