Mooneye
Hiodon tergisus
A silvery, laterally compressed fish with a large, bright eye and a deeply forked tail, the mooneye is the goldeye's close cousin and shares its combined daily limit. Native to the Saskatchewan and Qu'Appelle river systems, it feeds on insects and small fish near the surface and gives light-tackle anglers a spirited fight.
Clear to slightly turbid prairie rivers and connected lakes; a surface-feeding native fish counted together with goldeye in the daily limit.
Image credit and sources
Species reference image (Mooneye reference.jpg). Resized and recompressed; CC BY 4.0 terms apply to this version. This is not evidence of a sighting at a linked water.
Image: (c) moxostoma, some rights reserved (CC BY) — CC BY 4.0
Mooneye Habitat & Size
Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus) is associated with river water and lake water in the species record. Habitat information describes the species, not permission to fish for it. The recorded average size is approximately 12 inches; individual sizes vary.
Recorded Waters for Mooneye
Outland Atlas links Mooneye to water records in Saskatchewan. These associations may reflect documented presence, seasonal runs, or historical stocking, not angler catch reports or current abundance. Read the linked water guides and source notes for evidence dates and reaches.
Mooneye Fishing Regulations & Limits
A recorded association does not establish that targeting or retaining Mooneye is permitted. Confirm current species protections, seasonal and emergency closures, reach-specific rules, gear restrictions, bag and size limits with the responsible fisheries authority before fishing. A fishing license does not override these restrictions. Outland Atlas's regulation records may be incomplete; missing rules do not mean unrestricted fishing.
Related Water Guides for Mooneye
Explore these Outland Atlas water guides for places where Mooneye is recorded:
Equipment planning for Mooneye
We have not selected a species-specific affiliate setup for this guide. First establish whether targeting is permitted at your destination; no tackle recommendation should be inferred from a species record.
A closed season prohibits targeting, even with release. Follow the water-specific rules linked in this guide.
- Check permitted methods, bait and hook restrictions before choosing tackle. Match rod, line and lure ratings to the lawful method and conditions, rather than buying by species name alone.
- Plan weather protection, drinking water and a way to call for help. For boat trips, confirm required flotation and safety equipment with the responsible boating authority.
- Read the habitat and water-specific source notes in this guide, then confirm an appropriate lawful method with the local fisheries authority before choosing equipment. Do not assume a general freshwater combo suits every species or water.
This is an editorial planning checklist, not hands-on product testing. Use equipment you already own when suitable. The gear directory contains affiliate links; any product suggestions below have their own disclosure. Retailer region, availability and Canadian shipping are not guaranteed.
Browse the gear directory · Find official fishing-rule sources · Affiliate disclosure
Mooneye Regulations
Review available regulation records and confirm whether fishing for Mooneye is permitted with the responsible fisheries authority:
Frequently Asked Questions
What water types are associated with Mooneye?
The species record associates Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus) with river water and lake water. Habitat information is not evidence of current abundance or permission to target the species.
How big does Mooneye get?
The recorded average size for Mooneye is approximately 12 inches. Individual sizes vary; this average is not a maximum size or a legal retention limit.
Where does Outland Atlas record water associations for Mooneye?
Outland Atlas links Mooneye to water records in Saskatchewan. These associations may reflect documented presence, seasonal runs, or historical stocking, not angler catch reports. Check the linked water guides and source notes for evidence dates and reaches; a listing does not guarantee current presence or legal fishing opportunity.
Does a listing or fishing license permit fishing for Mooneye?
No. A listing records an association, not permission to target or retain Mooneye. License requirements and exemptions vary. Confirm current species protections, seasonal and emergency closures, reach-specific rules, gear restrictions, bag and size limits with the responsible fisheries authority. A license does not override restrictions, and missing Outland Atlas regulation records do not mean unrestricted fishing.