Freshwater · Late spring to early fall; best in summer
Goldeye
Hiodon alosoides
The goldeye is a silvery, herring-like prairie fish of the Saskatchewan, Red and Nelson river systems in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It is best known as the famous smoked 'Winnipeg goldeye', and summer anglers catch it on small baits and flies in turbid river water.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Silvery, strongly compressed herring-like body with large golden eyes
- Dorsal fin starts BEFORE the pelvic fins — the key mark versus mooneye
- Small upturned mouth with teeth on the tongue
- Deeply forked tail and a soft, fleshy keel on the belly
- Scales large, loose and bright silver, darkening slightly on the back
Habits
- Native to large turbid prairie rivers and connected lakes in central Canada
- Feeds on insects, small fish and crustaceans, often near the surface at dusk
- Migrates upstream in spring to spawn over gravel
- Schools in eddies, backwaters and below low barriers
- Most active in warm summer water
Distribution
Where to find them
- Eddies and seams below rapids on the Saskatchewan and Red rivers
- River mouths and current edges in Lake Winnipeg
- Backwaters and slow bends of prairie rivers in summer
Where they live
How to catch them
Light bait fishing in eddies River
Rig: Light spinning rod, small hook under a slip float or lightly weighted, fished in eddies and seams
Bait/lure: Worm pieces, small minnows
Key tip: Keep the bait small and near the surface in turbid water — goldeye feed up and shy from heavy rigs.
Fly fishing at dusk River
Rig: Light fly rod, floating line, small dry flies or nymphs cast to rising fish
Bait/lure: Dry flies, small nymphs
Key tip: Watch for dimpling rises at dusk along current seams and match small insects.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 6-7 ft spinning or fly rod
- Line: 4-8 lb mono
- Terminal: Small hooks, slip floats, tiny spinners
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 10-14 in; large fish to about 18 in and 2 lb
On the table
Excellent smoked — the famed Winnipeg goldeye; fresh flesh is soft and bony, so smoking or careful filleting is preferred.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Goldeye
Build today's plan