ok, caught this trolling on the river today. Any help? 16 inch almost 2lbs

American Shad..... maybe?

Looks like a big old Am. Shad to me.

Gizzard Shad

was it slimy and did it stink?

I think you guys are right. But the only thing i'm not sure about is the dorsal fin. Looks a little different although the fin in mine could be folded or something. Not sure why it would be in the river since they live in saltwater and then run up the river in the spring. thks

Looks very similar to a silver carp to me aka Asian carp.  These are the carp that jump out of the water behind your boat when it's running. 

Looks like Gizzard Shad to me. Their maximum length is 16". I don't really see a spot behind the gill, but everything else checks out.

It's a Shad and they DO reside in freshwater.

Gizzard Shad it is. I'm convinced. But wow. A little over 16 inches is pretty cool.

Looks kinda like a drum to me.

I hope this is a shad.  There were several dead fish floating near the boat ramp of my favorite lake (just off the Illinois River) that looked a lot like this.  I hope they weren't Asian Carp.

yep, gizzard shad. seen huge ones pulled out of the spillway at the reservoir i fish