Goldeye or Mooneye?

[spork007]

Hello. Anyone know if this is a Goldeye or a Mooneye? What's the difference? Is this fish related to the Lake Whitefish? Anyone know if they're common? First time I"ve caught (and released) this fish in Alberta.

[Dust1n]

goldeye because its a full gold eye on its eye. unlike mooneyes with half a mooon on there eye

[Guitarplayingfish]

Goldeye = Gold eye, all silver.

Mooneye = Silver eye with half cresent gold on top of eye, and dark green/black backs.

Alberta record

Goldeye = 4.2lb

Mooneye = 1.2lb

Very common in major river systems in alberta (Old man, SSR, NSR, RDR, etc)

[Albertafisher]

Originally Posted by Fish Hunter7

goldeye because its a full gold eye on its eye. unlike mooneyes with half a mooon on there eye

2x, It's a goldeye.

Don't think they are related to Whitefish, more closely related to Shads. Fun on a fly rod regardless!!!

[TyreeUM]

not that it really matters, but going by the color of the eye is not the best way to ID these fish as I have seen some variation in their eyes from time to time. If the start of the dorsal and anal fin are vertically aligned it is a mooneye. If the dorsal fin starts behind the anal fin it is a goldeye - never fails.