Common in Lake Erie near reefs, large boulders, and around docks. Body is thick and heavy with a dark slate or olive green color with bronze and coppery iridescence. Mouth is large with the upper jaw extending past the middle of the eye.
Eyes are sometimes various shades of red.
Usually has 6 anal fin spines. Small natural and artifical baits fished near large boulders, stumps, vegetation, or docks. Small spinner lures, hellgrammites, small crayfish, leeches, worms, and minnows are ideal baits.