Colorado Fish Species: Creek Chub

The Creek Chub’s native range is east of the Rocky Mountains of North America as far north as southern Canada and as far south as the Gulf Coast States. Creek Chubs are typically found in smaller streams.  Often they share river stretches with trout, though usually preferring slightly warmer parts of the river.  Generally, they relate to pool habitat, with individuals seeking out deeper pools as they grow.  Most often they are found over gravel bottoms, usually near cover such as larger rocks or downed trees.  Rarely are they found in the absence of current, however, the flows that typically hold them are slow moving.
 
Creek Chubs are a large minnow with a terminal mouth, which extends to below the pupil.  Color varies but they tend to be dark olive or brown on top, white on the belly, and silvery to iridescent purple on the sides.  They are most likely to be confused with other minnows, particularly those that share the name “chub.”  Young Creek Chubs have a distinct, dark lateral line band and a dark spot at the base of the caudal fin.  These are usually present on adults too, but fade with age.  There is also a dark spot on the leading edge of the dorsal fin.  Dorsal, Anal, and Pelvic fins all have 8 rays and the lateral line typically contains 49-66 scales.
 
Nest building and spawning occur between 54° and 63° F.  Nests are built as shallow depressions in gravel runs, which the males aggressively defend.  At this time the males develop a distinctive appearance, including an overall pinkish color, orange-yellow fins, and tubercles on the head and fins.  The head tubercles can be particularly noticeable, looking like a set of horns above the eyes.  Young creek chubs may reach 2”-3” in length within the first year of life.  Adults can reach a maximum size of over 12” but specimens over 10” are uncommon.
 
Creek Chubs are omnivorous, eating most anything that will fit in their mouths.  Young Creek Chubs predominately eat zooplankton, aquatic and terrestrial insects.  As they grow they add crayfish and smaller fish to their diet.
 
Presented Courtesy of Tony Schollmeier (rough fisher) all rights reserved.