See text Pikeminnows, formerly squawfish, are cyprinid fish of the genus Ptychocheilus consisting of four species native to western North America.

First known in western science by the common name Columbia River dace, the four species all became lumped under the name "squawfish".

[1] The Colorado pikeminnow, P. lucius, is the largest member of the genus, ranging from 4–9 lb (2–4 kg) in adult fish with occasional specimens up to 25 lb (11 kg).

Historical and anecdotal reports of Colorado pikeminnows nearing 6 feet (1.8 m) in length and 80 lb (36 kg) in weight have been made.

On the Columbia and Snake rivers from approximately May through September anglers are paid for each northern pikeminnow that they catch (from within program boundaries) that is 9 inches (23 cm) or larger in total length, and the more you catch, the higher the reward.