What kind of minnow is it? Is it legal to use?(Pics)

[fishinaddict]

I caught a minnow in my trap that looks like some kind of chub/sucker. It is somewhat red in color, with a spot on its tail like a redfish. What is it? Also, I have been catching a bunch of brook sticklebacks. Are they legal to use for bait?

Heres a pic

[Paul Waldowski]

FA,

Sounds like the first one was a red-tailed chub. As far as the stickleback is concerned, in Mn. I believe they are legal to use as bait....but they are so ugly I just can't bring myself to do it.

[Boedigheimer]

fishinaddict, it sounds like you might have the elusive red-tailed chub. If you are sure these are chubs, I would build a fence topped with barbed wire around you're traps. These are a fantastic bait for walleye and smallmouth, and people in my neck of the woods go to great lengths to get their hands on them. SCORE!!!!!!

P.S. , the red ones are males

[musky hunter]

I think the critter you have is legal to use. But as for the sticklebacks, forget them. Those spines are a great defense and I have never done well with them.

[ChuckN]

The spot on the tail makes me wonder... It could be a different strain of chub? Creek chub maybe? Creek and redtails do look a little similar, but the red colors are not as distinct in a creek chub.

Here is a redtail chub, correct term Hornyhead Chub.

[lars0926]

Who knows what it was. I've seen some pretty bizzare looking minnows in this state. I even read that Lake Phalen over in St. Paul has a species of fish in in that is located no place else in the world other than Phalen.

[mtreno]

Really?

[Bobb-o]

how could it be found only in phalen considering phalen is connected to like 5 other lakes?

[LITTLE PIHUULAK]

Chuck...they are creek chubs...the kids go in the creek behind the house and catch them for bait all the time...most of them are 6-10 inches long.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

fishinaddict,

Did the minnow have a pale red stripe running down the center if it's body?

If so, it was probably a creek chub. They are great walleye bait at any time of the year!

Cliff

[Jeremy airjer W]

Lake phalen is home to the Rainbow Darter. The only lake in the world where they have been found!!

[Ralph Wiggum]

The only "lake" where they have been found. They're common in streams and rivers.

[ironman]

I think the minnow in question is what we used to call a mudminnow. Here is a link to other minnows.

http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/fish/fishes/central_mudminnow.html

[DEADhead]

now that the pic loaded on my computer, yes that does indeed look like a central mudminnow. I've caught some in my trap in the river my my house as well. They're not the best bait, so put it in an aquarium, they're pretty hardy.

[croixeyes]

Ive used mud minnows before and caught walleye,They get mixed in with fatheads alot.It could be the next super bait

[frabillfisher]

I've also caught some of those in my traps before and wondered wat the heck they were..always just throught them back...did anyone see the northern redbelly dace?I've caught quite a few in my traps and actually caught some fish on them...was wondering if they were worth anything or if anyone has any more info on them really cool looking minnows! heres the link http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/fish/fishes/northern_red.html

[AQUAJOE]

That pic kinda looks like a mud darter. Hard to tell without seeing the dorsal fin.

It is not a Redtail or a creek chub. Both of them have v-fin pointed tails. That tail is rounded.

web page

[LocalGuide]

Yes! I catch a bunch of those northern redbelly dace in a creek back at home. I haved used them for walleye and done just fine... They seem to like just like anyother minnow!

I catch them in creek when the water is cold and then when it starts to warm I get more creek chubs.

Aqua Joe is correct, Creek Chubs/Red tails have a pointed tail, kinda like a muskie does.

Creek Chubs and redtails are almost the same thing.. I catch a few redtail in my creek back at home. The only difference is they actually have a red tail and unlike a cheek chub they dont have a spot at the base of the dorsal fin.

[Scott M]

tip of the cap to ironman...

he nailed it on the head. the homocercal tail gives it away.

umbra limi, central mudminnow

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Quote:

---

I think the minnow in question is what we used to call a mudminnow. Here is a link to other minnows.

http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/fish/fishes/central_mudminnow.html

---

You are right on there!

That is a mud minnow! I have been told by some that it is a great walleye bait. I have tried them a few times but have not had to much luck using them as bait.

Cliff

[Cliff Wagenbach]

The Red Belly Dace or better known as a Rainbow Chub are GREAT walleye bait!

They work year round.

Cliff

[pathogen]

Red Belly Dace are great bait. I used to trap them by the hundreds on a small lake in the Crosslake area. Crappies love the smaller ones, maybe moreso than small fatheads. They are quite hardy and they like to jump out of minnow buckets if the cover isn't on all the way.

[Maashkinoozhe]

(Snipped out)

I really should read all the posts first... Question about Phalen already answered.

Dave D.