Fallfish

The fallfish (Semotilus corporalis) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish in the familyLeuciscidae. The fallfish is the largest minnow species native to Eastern North America.

Average specimens generally measure about 7 in (18 cm) in length, but individuals occasionally grow to 15 in (38 cm)^[2] with exceptional specimens of more than 19 in (48 cm) having been recorded.^[3] Juvenile fallfish have a dark stripe that runs down the center of their body. They are a silvery shade on the top and sides of the body, but have a white shading on the belly. Breeding males develop a pinkish tone on the opercular region, although the species does not develop bright breeding colors. Spawning males build stone nests, known as a redd, which form a prominent part of the bottom on many streams throughout the northeast. Spawning is communal with both males and females joining the nest builder.^[4]

Fallfish are found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where they inhabit clear streams, lakes, and ponds. They predominantly prefer swift currents, however, they can also be found in well oxygenated pools. As their name suggests they are often found at the base of waterfalls. Before the introduction of fish such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and brown trout, the fallfish was the apex predator in many streams.^[5]

Juvenile and young fallfish primarily consume chironomids and zooplankton. Once they reach 100mm their diet transitions to small fish (including their own young) and prey of opportunity such as fish eggs and terrestrial insects. There is little overlap between the diets of juvenile and adult fallfish.^[6]

Fallfish are often encountered when fishing for more desirable species, but their large size, dogged fighting style, powerful runs on light tackle, and willingness to strike make them a worthy quarry in their own right. They will readily take bait, lures, and flies, and have been known to strike lures almost as large as themselves.

El récord mundial de la Asociación Internacional de Pesca Deportiva (IGFA) para el pez de otoño es de 1,65 kg (3 lb 10 oz) , capturado por Jonathan McNamara en el río Susquehanna cerca de Owego, Nueva York , EE. UU. el 15 de abril de 2009. El récord fue igualado el 6 de mayo de 2022 por el pescador Josh D. Dolin mientras pescaba en el río Cowpasture cerca de Williamsville, Virginia . Dos peces récord más pesados ​​y más recientes de este río están actualmente pendientes, ^{[ 7 ]} lo que llevará el récord anterior a 4,0 lb (1,81 kg) . ^{[ 3 ]} Los récords anteriores provenían de Nuevo Hampshire y Pensilvania. Alex Pidhorodeckyj capturó un pez de otoño que batió el récord, con un peso de 4 lb 1 oz, del río San Lorenzo, condado de San Lorenzo, el 13 de mayo de 2025. Esto rompió el récord de 16 años capturado en el río Susquehanna por casi media libra.     

Thoreau dijo sobre sus cualidades culinarias: "Sabe a papel marrón salado".

• Smith, LC. Los peces de agua dulce del estado de Nueva York. Nueva York: Departamento de Conservación Ambiental del Estado de Nueva York. 1985, págs.  155, 156.
• Froese, Rainer ; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). " Semotilus corporalis " . Base de pescado . Versión de abril de 2007.