The golden-eye hiodon is a freshwater fish that generates moderate interest among sport fishermen in Quebec. Known for its characteristic golden eyes, it is often caught by chance rather than specifically targeted. It is found in several rivers and lakes in the province, offering a moderate yet enjoyable fight for anglers who like to vary their catches. While it is not as sought after as other species like walleye or pike, it is a nice surprise for fishing enthusiasts who appreciate the diversity of local species. Its distribution is quite broad, primarily covering southwestern Quebec, but it is less common in more northern regions.

The golden-eye hiodon has an elongated, slightly laterally compressed body, giving it a streamlined silhouette. Its color ranges from silver-gray to bluish on the back, with lighter sides and a white belly. The eyes are a bright golden yellow, a characteristic that has earned it its common name. Its mouth is relatively small and pointed, oriented upward, which is typical of fish that feed at the surface. The fins are generally transparent, with a dorsal fin located toward the back of the body. The caudal fin is forked, facilitating its quick movements in the water. The scales are small and smooth, offering little resistance to the water. Young fish resemble adults but are often more translucent, making them harder to spot in the water. During the spawning period, males may display slightly brighter colors than females, although these differences are subtle.

The golden-eye hiodon is primarily found in southwestern Quebec, notably in the rivers and lakes of the Outaouais watershed and the Saint Lawrence River. It is relatively abundant in these areas, but its presence decreases as one moves north and east in the province. It prefers clear, moderately deep waters, which explains its predominance in large rivers and certain more open lakes. Its distribution is less extensive in northern regions where climatic conditions and types of water bodies are not as favorable to its lifestyle.

The golden-eye hiodon favors clear and well-oxygenated waters of rivers and lakes. It is often found near structures such as rocky shorelines, gravel beds, and areas with moderate aquatic vegetation. It prefers shallow to moderately deep waters, generally between 1 and 5 meters, where it can feed effectively. The ideal water temperature for this species is between 16 and 22 °C. To find it, look in the calmer waters of rivers and along the edges of lakes, especially where the current is moderate. Areas where aquatic vegetation is present but not too dense are often prime spots for the hiodon.

The spawning of the golden-eye hiodon occurs in spring when the water temperature reaches about 15 °C. Spawning takes place in shallow waters, often on gravel or sand substrates. Females lay several thousand eggs, which are then fertilized by males. The eggs hatch after about a week, releasing fry that immediately begin to feed on small invertebrates. Growth is rapid during the first years, and young fish reach sexual maturity around 3 to 4 years of age. The lifespan of the golden-eye hiodon is generally 8 to 10 years. Over the seasons: Spring → Spawning and hatching → Summer → Rapid growth → Fall → Preparation for winter → Winter → Reduced metabolism.

The golden-eye hiodon is a relatively social fish, often observed in small groups, especially during spawning periods. It is not particularly territorial and can share its habitat with other fish species. Its sensitivity to noise is moderate; it can be disturbed by sudden movements or loud noises, but it adapts quite well to variations in light and temperature. During windy or stormy weather, it tends to move to calmer waters or take refuge near the bottom. It is more active during twilight hours when the light is soft and hunting is more effective.

The diet of the golden-eye hiodon varies with age. Fry primarily feed on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. As they grow, young fish start consuming aquatic insects, larvae, and sometimes small fish. Adults have a more varied diet, including insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish. Feeding is more intense during warm months, while metabolic activity is reduced in winter, during which they feed much less.

Spring is an active time for the golden-eye hiodon, especially during spawning. The best times to fish for it are early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the light is subdued. In summer, it remains active throughout the day but prefers the cooler hours of morning and evening. Fall is a good season for fishing as it feeds abundantly before winter. Cloudy or slightly rainy days can improve capture chances, as the hiodon is less wary. In winter, it is less active but can still be caught in areas where the water remains adequately oxygenated.

To fish for the golden-eye hiodon, opt for lures in silver or gold that mimic baitfish. In clear water, natural and subtle colors work well, while in murky water, brighter colors like yellow or fluorescent green can attract attention. In sunny weather, use lures with a metallic finish to reflect light, and in overcast conditions, choose darker or opaque colors. In terms of depth, floating or shallow-diving lures are effective at the surface, while diving lures are suitable for exploring deeper water layers.

To fish for the golden-eye hiodon, a light to medium rod of 1.8 to 2.1 meters is ideal. Choose a rod with a fast action for better control during precise casts. A light spinning reel or fly reel, depending on the technique chosen, is recommended. Use a line of 4 to 8 lb, sufficient to handle the size and strength of this fish. Hooks sized 6 to 10 are appropriate for most baits. A fluorocarbon leader can be useful to reduce line visibility in the water and increase your chances of capture.

Handling the golden-eye hiodon should be gentle to avoid stressing the fish. Use wet hands to hold it, ensuring not to damage its delicate scales. If you wish to release it, do so quickly to maximize its chances of survival. Ensure that the fish is well-oxygenated before releasing it. For a photo, support the fish under its belly and avoid holding it out of the water for too long.

The golden-eye hiodon is preyed upon by several aquatic predators, including pike, walleye, and muskellunge. Birds of prey such as ospreys and herons can also capture hiodons, especially when they are near the surface.

In Quebec, the golden-eye hiodon is not considered a threatened species. However, it is important to respect current fishing regulations, which may include size and catch limits. Catch-and-release is encouraged to preserve local populations, especially in areas where fishing pressure is high.