Etheostoma nigrum

How to identify a Johnny Darter

Johnny Darter are found in warm lakes, ponds, slow rivers, floodplains, and vegetated backwaters. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Warm lakes, ponds, slow rivers, floodplains, and vegetated backwaters

Where to catch Johnny Darter

• Midwest rivers (OH/IL/MN)
• Great Lakes clear bays
• Ozark streams

Johnny Darter by state

State season calendars that list Johnny Darter — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Illinois — seasons, best months and licence info
• Indiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Michigan — seasons, best months and licence info
• Minnesota — seasons, best months and licence info
• New York — seasons, best months and licence info
• Ohio — seasons, best months and licence info
• Pennsylvania — seasons, best months and licence info
• Wisconsin — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Species-dependent · worms · insects · small fish · crustaceans · prepared baits · or small lures

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Johnny Darter:

• Blackside Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Channel Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Fantail Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Greenside Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Iowa Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Rainbow Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)