Fish of the Week!

Latest Episodes:

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout: Exquisite Explorer Aug 03, 2026

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Meet one of the few fish that's managed to cross America's Continental Divide: the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout! On this episode we explore the variation in ecology and morphology of this beautiful fish across its range, its history in Yellowstone National Park and efforts to move it by wagon and train, how its been impacted by nonnative trout species, where to catch it, and the value it holds within the Wind River Indian Reservation. We are joined by fish biologist Mike Mazur with our Lander Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wyoming.

Atlantic Tripletail: Buoy Bombshell Jul 27, 2026

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We want you to imagine a souped up tilapia the size of a tire, hanging by a buoy. Head to Mississippi to fall in love with the Atlantic Tripletail, a fish of many names ("sleepy fish" and "buoy fish") that can deliver a powerful kick on the end of your line. Katrina and Guy are joined by Trevor Moncrief and Eric Gigli with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Topics include where to find this fish, what's known about its behavior and preferences, fishing strategies, how it's managed, and how anglers can help contribute to a growing body of knowledge and appreciation for this very cool fish.

Olympic Mudminnow: Quintessential Washingtonian Fish Jul 20, 2026

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Meet Washington State's only freshwater endemic fish: the Olympic Mudminnow! Despite being found nowhere else in the world, many questions about this quintessential Washingtonian species remain unanswered! On this episode, you'll get to know the habits, preferences, and close relatives of this beautiful little ambush predator. Ecologist Lauren Kuehne is our guest.

Neon Tetra! Jul 13, 2026

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How well do you REALLY know one of the most popular fish the USA? What's the science behind its neon blue stripe? Where does it come from? What conditions does it prefer? Katrina and Guy get curious about this freshwater aquarium fish that Americans love so much.

The Butterfly Kingfish! Jul 06, 2026

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Meet the Butterfly Kingfish AKA Butterfly Mackerel: the hottest fish you've never heard of! This not-well-studied fish is the sole species in the monotypic genus Gasterochisma, and the oldest lineage of Scombridae (the mackerel, tuna, and bonito family). Katrina, Guy, and guest Fernando Melendez Vazquez from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City dig into the details about this large, endothermic oddball and the broader topic of warm-bloodedness in fishes.

Redbreast Sunfish! Jun 29, 2026

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Get to know the Redbreast Sunfish and catch up on some fan mail, where Katrina and Guy read listener's fish requests and feedback! Learn how to tell this fish apart from other sunfish species, where to find Redbreasts, and gain some excellent fishing tips.

Weed Shiner: A Comeback Story! Jun 22, 2026

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Get to know the minnow that "has the most normal looking head of any minnow" - the Weed Shiner! There's a lot of mystery surrounding this overlooked native fish, which, in addition to being a tasty treat for sportfish like Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, can tell us a lot about the success of habitat restoration efforts. Guest Ben Patschull from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tells an inspiring comeback story about this fish in "Pool 8" of the Upper Mississippi River.

Gizzard Shad! Jun 15, 2026

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Get to know the Gizzard Shad, a native fish that eats mud, feeds sportfish, and has something in common with birds! On this episode we delve into the ecology of this fish (including competition with invasive carp and positive interactions with native mussels), its nuanced role in nutrient cycling, and how the public perceives and interacts with Gizzard Shad. We've even got some math for folks who like working with numbers and want to optimize decision-making in fisheries. Our guests are Mike Vanni from Miami University and Richie Erickson from the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center.

Pahrump Poolfish: A Unique Nevada Native Jun 08, 2026

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Get to know the only surviving member of genus Empetrichthys, the desert-dwelling Pahrump Poolfish! This Nevada native is not nearly as well-known as its neighbor, the Devils Hole Pupfish, but similarly is endangered and endemic to isolated, highly specific desert habitat. In six seasons of Fish of the Week, this is the FIRST species we've covered in the family Goodeidae! Our guests are fish biologists Kevin Guadalupe from the Nevada Department of Wildlife's Native Fish and Amphibian Program and James Harter from our Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office. You'll get a slice of history, hear about a creative and collaborative conservation approach, and leave with hope for the future.

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