June 11, 1805, above junction of Marias and Missouri Rivers in Chouteau County, Montana.

Moderately deep, compressed; bluish above; silvery below. Mouth large, with small, sharp teeth; eye bright golden yellow, very large. Length: to 20 in (51 cm). Weight: to 3.13 lbs (1.4 kg).

Clear to turbid water in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and quiet backwaters.

James Bay drainage, Ontario and Quebec, west to Mackenzie River, Northwest Territories, south to Alberta. Mississippi River system, southeastern Ohio, western Montana, south to northern Alabama and Louisiana.