Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Eat

Fishing has been a beloved pastime in the USA for centuries. Freshwater fish hold a special place in the hearts of fishermen. You can find these fish in affordable locations and high-end restaurants across America. The variety of freshwater fish available is so vast that it can satisfy even the most discerning gourmets.

Explore the fascinating world of freshwater fish in America and discover the top ten freshwater fish that stand out for their delectable taste and high nutritional value.

This comprehensive article showcases a diverse range of well-known and lesser-known fish, offering a unique culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned fish lover or a curious beginner, this guide will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into freshwater fish.

10. Tilapia

Tilapia is a popular freshwater fish species in the United States. It is well-liked for its fast growth and delicious taste. The Tilapia meat has a mild taste and is often compared to Cod or Haddock, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. Tilapia is mainly raised in ponds for commercial purposes, making it a highly sustainable option for seafood consumption. 

Tilapia reach 10 to 15 inches and weigh 1 to 2 pounds. It can be found in various freshwater habitats throughout the US and is a popular fish in warmer climates, such as the Southwest and Southeast. Tilapia meat is white, soft, and neutral in taste. It is often baked, fried, or grilled and can be combined with various spices, marinades, and sauces.

One of the Tilapia specialties is "Blackened Tilapia." This specialty includes spicy Tilapia, fried at a high temperature to create a crispy crust on the outside. This recipe often uses black pepper, cayenne, and garlic. It is usually served with fresh lemon.

9. Freshwater Drum

The Freshwater Drum is a fish that swims in lakes and rivers throughout the United States, especially along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri rivers. It is known for its size, combativeness, and delicious meat.

Freshwater Drums can grow to impressive sizes. Their average weight is between 5 and 15 pounds, and they are 16 to 24 inches long. This fish has an elongated grayish body.

The flesh of the Freshwater Drum is white and firm and has a mild taste. This fish is often prepared in different ways, including frying, baking, and grilling, and it can be combined with various spices.

One of Freshwater Drum's specialties is the "Cajun Drummer." You marinate the drumstick fillets in a mixture of spices and then grill them at a high temperature. This recipe provides a wealth of flavor and spice.

8. Trout

Trout has a mild taste and juicy meat. It is considered one of the most favorite fish to eat among Americans. It has a characteristic pink flesh. Its flavor is delicate. Trout are present in rivers throughout the United States. Yellowstone, Snake, Colorado, Madison, and Big Horn are some of the most famous rivers where it swims. It is most often caught using the fly fishing technique. 

Other popular methods for catching this fish are spin fishing and live bait such as worms or corn. These diverse approaches allow anglers to catch Trout in a variety of ways. Which way to choose depends on the water conditions and the angler's preferences.

Trout can be prepared in different ways. The most popular methods are grilling, frying, baking in the oven, or smoking. Countless recipes highlight its delicious and rich texture. You can serve it with a side dish of vegetables or potato salad. Certainly, Trout is a good choice for a tasty and nutritious meal.

One of the popular Trout specialties is "Grilled Trout with Fresh Herbs and Lemon." It is easy to prepare. Prepare the Trout by washing and drying it. Brush the Trout fillets with olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper. Place fresh herb leaves and lemon slices on the Trout fillets.

Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the Trout fillets on the grill. Bake them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Serve the Trout with extra lemon wedges.

7. Bass

Bass is one of the most popular freshwater fish in America. This fish is often the target of anglers. The main reasons for its popularity are combativeness and the taste of meat. Bass meat is usually white, firm, and juicy. It has a fine texture that melts in your mouth. 

When fresh, it has a mild flavor with hints of sweetness and nuttiness. This taste can be compared to the taste of chicken meat. This combination of flavors makes Bass a fish that pairs easily with different spices. Bass can absorb the aromas and flavors of other ingredients with which it is prepared. That is why it is an excellent choice for various culinary experiments.

Bass can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats throughout the US. It is most abundant in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri rivers. Bass weighs from one to five pounds, and it is from 12 to 24 inches long. There are also more prominent individuals. This fish is often caught using different techniques. The most popular are bait fishing, fly fishing, and fishing with live bait such as worms. When preparing, Bass can be baked, fried, or grilled. It gives plenty of options for a variety of meals.

We recommend that you prepare "Grilled Bass with Lemon and Herbs." The recipe is below. 

To make the marinade, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the Bass fillets with the marinade and let them rest for 30 minutes. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the Bass fillets on the grill. Bake them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Serve grilled Bass with extra lemon wedges and a fresh salad.

6. Walleye

Walleye, also known as Zander, is a prized freshwater fish. It has a delicate taste and juicy meat. It can be found in lakes and rivers throughout the United States. These are the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and Lake Erie. Walleye vary in weight from 1 to 10 pounds and length from 14 to 30 inches. 

Walleye meat is white, tender, and slightly fatty. It has a fine texture that peels off easily. The taste of Walleye meat is somewhat sweet and suitable for culinary experiments. Walleye are often combined with spices such as lemon, garlic, parsley, and butter. 

A popular method is frying. Try frying the fish in a pan with butter and spices, baking it in the oven, or Grilling It with fresh herbs. This variety of preparation methods allows anglers to enjoy delicious Walleye in various ways.

5. Catfish

Catfish is another favorite freshwater fish in America. It is known for its rich taste and juicy meat. This fish can be found in many rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the United States, but it is most abundant in waterways such as the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri. Catfish are known for their large size. Adults can reach 20 to 50 pounds and 24 to 40 inches.

Catfish meat is white, firm, and juicy. Its characteristic taste is slightly sweet and nutty. This fish is appreciated because it can be prepared in different ways. The most popular cooking methods are frying, baking, and smoking. Steaming is also common. Catfish is combined with various spices. Adding lemon, garlic, black pepper, and parsley will enrich the taste. Catfish is on restaurant menus across the country.

4. Crappie

Crappie, also known as Crappie Sunfish, is a freshwater fish often caught and eaten in America. It is common in the United States' lakes, rivers, and streams. Famous locations include lakes like Lake Okeechobee in Florida and Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. A Crappie is a medium-sized fish. Its average weight is between 0.5 and 2 pounds, and its length is 9 to 15 inches.

Crappie meat is white, soft, and delicately flavored. It has a fine texture that peels off easily. It is most often fried or baked. Seasonings frequently used with Crappies include lemon, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. Crappie is the favorite choice of many anglers. It provides a tasty and nutritious meal.

There are several ways to fish for Crappies. One of the most common methods is bobber fishing. This technique uses a light float to carry a hook and a bait fish. The float is placed at the appropriate depth, and the baitfish should be positioned near the bottom where the Crappie usually stays.

Jig fishing is also an effective way to catch Crappies. Anglers use small lures, like micro-fish, that imitate small fish. They move them rhythmically to attract the attention of the fish.

Deep-water fishing is used to fish at greater depths. There, heavy hooks are used to lower the bait fish to the bottom where the fish are.

Structure fishing involves fishing near underwater structures such as stumps or submerged timber. Anglers can target these areas using floats or lures, which should attract Crappies hiding in those structures.

3. Salmon

Salmon is one of America's most beloved freshwater fish. It is known for its rich taste and high content of omega-3 fatty acids. It can be found in many rivers and lakes throughout the United States. They are most abundant in the Columbia River and Kenai River.

This fish can reach an impressive size. They get an average weight of between 10 to 30 pounds and a length of 24 to 40 inches – different methods, including fly fishing, often catch Salmon, such as lure fishing, and fishing with live baits.

Salmon meat is bright orange. It is rich in fat and melts quickly in the mouth. This fish can be prepared in different ways: baked, fried, or grilled. One of the popular Salmon specialties is "Grilled Salmon with Honey and Lemon."

Follow the next steps to prepare for this specialty. 

Combine honey, lemon juice, olive oil, finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients to make the marinade. Place the Salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over them. Make sure that each fillet is well covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl. 

Leave the Salmon to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Coat the grill grate with a bit of oil. Heat the grill over medium heat. Remove the Salmon fillets from the marinade. Drain off excess marinade. Place the fillets on the heated grill. Bake them for about 4-5 minutes. Turn the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the Salmon is crispy. Serve grilled Salmon with fresh parsley.

2. Bluegill (Sunfish)

Bluegill, known as Sunfish, is another prevalent freshwater fish in America. It is known for its delicious meat and fighting nature. This fish can be found in lakes and rivers throughout the United States, especially in southern states such as Florida, Alabama, and Texas.

Bluegills are usually smaller, averaging between 0.5 and 1 pound and 6 to 10 inches in length. Their meat is white, firm, and tasty. Its mild taste is easily combined with various spices and additives.

One of the popular Bluegill specialties is "Pan-Fried Bluegill." It is easy to prepare. Beat the eggs in a bowl. In another bowl, prepare the flour with herbal spices to taste. Roll each Bluegill fillet first in the beaten eggs.

After that, roll it in flour with spices. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the Bluegill fillets in the heated oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Fry them until they get a golden brown color. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve the pan-fried Bluegill with a side dish of your choice.

1. Perch 

Perch is known for its delicious meat texture. This fish can often be found in lakes and rivers throughout the United States of America, including the Great Lakes and rivers Missouri and Ohio. Fishermen love her because she doesn't surrender easily.

Perch can grow to impressive sizes. Its average weight is between 1 and 5 pounds, and its length is 12 to 24 inches. Perch meat is white and juicy. It is combined with various spices and additives. This fish is often prepared in different ways, usually frying and baking.

One of the popular carp specialties is "Crispy Perch Fillets." It is prepared by breading carp fillets and then frying them to a crispy golden brown color. This specialty offers a combination of crispy crust and soft fish meat. It is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

A vast selection of freshwater fish is available that not only offer a delectable taste but also provide numerous health benefits. These fish can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, baking, frying, or even raw, and each method brings out a unique flavor profile. Regardless of the cooking method, you are guaranteed to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Freshwater fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, necessary for optimal health. Consuming these nutrients regularly can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and support healthy heart function.

What are your personal preferences when it comes to the tastiest freshwater fish? Do you prefer Salmon, Trout, Catfish, or Tilapia? In the comments below, we would love your thoughts and opinions on our selection.