• Characteristics - color varies from dark blue to blue-green on the back with the sides silvery and the belly white, iris of the eye is typically yellow to gold and there is an adipose eyelid present, teeth are present on both jaws, often mistaken by anglers as a gizzard shad
• Distribution - inhabits most larger streams in western, southern, and southeast Iowa where it is considered uncommon, not found in north central or northeast Iowa except very rarely in the Mississippi River
• Foods - nocturnal feeder on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs and small mammals
• State Record - 2 pounds, 4 ounces - Des Moines River, Van Buren County, June1992 - Mark Ikle, Farmington, Iowa
• Expert's Tip - this fish frequently forages on the surface in shallow water at night

For more goldeye information, see our Iowa Fish & Fishing.