Fallfish in Creek Near BWI

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Piney Run

I had a little bit of time before I had to pick up my wife at BWI this morning so I found a small stream about 10 minutes from the airport. It may have been called �Piney Run� but I am not 100% positive. I was using a #10 octopus hook with a small piece of trout worm on it and caught this fish. I believe it may be a �fallfish.� But I wanted to make sure. Unfortunately the only image I have came from my GoPro so it isn�t extremely close up. Help if you can.

DNR REPLY: You are correct, this is a fallfish(Semotilus corporalis). Fallfish are very common in many of the streams and rivers in the central and western regions of Maryland. They prefer fast moving streams and are in the minnow family (Cyprinidae), and are related to chubs and the common carp. They are native to the eastern united States and can grow to be 15 inches or more in length. A new Maryland state record of 2.07 lbs has been established. This fish was over 18 inches long and was caught by Adam Aghionon on 3/20/2019, on the Maryland side of the upper Potomac River.

Juveniles have a dark black stripe down their side and develop a silvery and golden coloration with a dark back as adults.They form nests or "redds" during spawning on stone or gravel type stream beds. They are commonly encountered when fishing for other species such as stocked trout or perch in coldwater streams and rivers.