WikiCatch
Variegate darter
Etheostoma variatum
Overview
Etheostoma variatum, the variegate darter, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae, which also contains the perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It is native to the eastern United States where it occurs primarily in the Ohio River basin; it is present in the states of Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky with a small population in Virginia. It is a large darter, growing to 10 cm (4 in) long, orange-red with black vertical barring on its body, and horizontal barring on its front dorsal fin. Its typical habitat is swift-flowing riffles with rubble, boulder and gravel. No major threats have been identified for this fish and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Waxworms
Excellent for enticing strikes in clear water.
- Mealworms
Easy to keep and readily accepted.
- Small Earthworms
A classic bait that always produces.
- Nightcrawler Pieces
Use small pieces on a small hook.
- Aquatic Insect Larvae
Natural food source, very effective.
Artificial Lures
- Mepps Aglia #0SpinnerBuy
Small profile is key.
- Blue Fox Classic Vibrax #1SpinnerBuy
Vibration attracts in murky water.
- Rebel CrickhopperCrankbaitBuy
Effective in shallow, rocky runs.
- 1/32 oz Marabou JigJigBuy
Mimics small forage, cast upstream.
- Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow 1 inchSoft PlasticBuy
Scent helps entice bites.
Techniques
Target Variegate darters by casting upstream in clear, rocky riffles and runs of streams and rivers and retrieving slowly near the bottom.
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Where to Find Variegate darter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Variegate darter?+
Popular baits for Variegate darter include Waxworms, Mealworms, Small Earthworms, Nightcrawler Pieces, Aquatic Insect Larvae. Tip: Target Variegate darters by casting upstream in clear, rocky riffles and runs of streams and rivers and retrieving slowly near the bottom.
Where can I catch Variegate darter?+
Variegate darter can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Kentucky, United States; West Virginia, United States. WikiCatch lists 2 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Variegate darter get?+
Variegate darter (Etheostoma variatum) can reach up to 11 cm in length and 0.1 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.
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