What Are Chub Minnows?

Caught with a chub perhaps?

According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), chubs are cylindrical and stout-appearing minnows with large reflective scales and moderately large mouths, which are found in bodies of flowing water.

Types

There are several varieties of these minnows, which include horney-head, river and creek chubs as well as fallfish.

Habitat

Chubs are found primarily in small head-water streams, but may inhabit some rivers and lakes as well. They are distributed throughout much of North America from Manitoba and New Mexico eastward.

Nesting

Most chub minnows are known as nest builders. At spawning time, the males build nests made of gravel or pebbles. Male chubs defend the nests while the females lay their eggs.

Benefits

While the larger members of the chub family are considered to be an excellent food source, smaller minnows are often used as bait by game fishermen.

Considerations

Because of the chubs' appeal to large game fish, there are many artificial lures on the market that mimic the actions of the living minnows. Antique creek-chub lures are considered to be collector's items.

References

• PFBC: Chubs Genera Nocomis, Semotilus, Margariscus
• Creek Chub
• Semotilus Atromaculatus: Creek Chub

Resources

• Chubs or Shiners. What's the Best Live Bait for Big Bass?
• Creek Chub Fishing Lures and Antique Fishing Tackle