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© 2026 Barbless.co. Flow and gauge data from USGS; weather from Open-Meteo. · v2026.10.18.2

  1. Home
  2. Fish
  3. Carp & minnows
  4. Chiselmouth

Updated August 31, 2026

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Chiselmouth: fish species profile

Fish › Carp & minnows

Carp & minnowsLeuciscidaeG5 (Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: S4

Chiselmouth

Acrocheilus alutaceus

A native Idaho minnow of cool rivers and lake edges, known for grazing algae in gentle current.

Overview

Size range

7–12 in

Size range

7–12 in

Size range

Typical adult length in the waters we cover.

Water temperature

Warmwater

Water temperature

Warmwater

Water temperature

Preferred thermal regime for this species.

Origin

Native

Origin

Native

Origin

Stocking and native history where this species is found.

About Chiselmouth

Chiselmouth are native to Idaho and are a secure species overall, though they are not a common sport target. They are a small native fish in the minnow family, usually around 7 inches and up to about 12 inches.

Chiselmouth Silhouette

  • Chiselmouth species silhouette
    Primary

Behavior

spawning
No Idaho-specific spawning guidance was found in IDFG sources consulted; keep habitat disturbance low during spring and early summer in likely creek and river habitats.
feeding style
Adults mainly graze diatoms and filamentous algae, while young fish feed more on surface insects.
seasonal notes
Most often associated with cool flowing water, especially pools and runs over sand and gravel, and also quiet lake margins.

Habitat

water types
creeks, small rivers, medium rivers, lake margins
preferred holds
Look for flowing pools and runs with sand or gravel bottoms, plus quieter edges of lakes.

Where Found

Not yet linked to waters

This species has not been linked to a river or lake in our catalog yet.

Angler Tactics

tactics
Chiselmouth are rarely targeted by anglers. If encountered, downsize tackle and drift or suspend very small offerings near gentle current seams, shallow runs, or lake edges where fish are feeding.
effective methods
small flies, tiny jigs, micro bait presentations

Regulations

IDFG-specific chiselmouth regulations were not found in the sources consulted. Check the current Idaho fishing seasons and rules for the water you plan to fish.

Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.

Conservation

Status: Native to Idaho (S4)

G5 (Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: S4

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OverviewSilhouetteBehaviorHabitatWhere FoundAngler TacticsRegulationsConservation

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