Harelip Sucker

Body Type & Identification: Harelip Sucker is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Historically 12–16 inches. A distinctive, specialized sucker with a unique lip structure — now lost from North America's rivers

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Habitat: Historically found in clear streams of the Ozarks and upper Tennessee River drainage — now extinct or possibly extinct. This species was last documented in the 1890s — it is considered extinct or possibly extinct, having disappeared due to siltation, impoundment, and habitat degradation in its former range. The Harelip Sucker had a distinctive divided, hare-like upper lip adapted for scraping algae from rocks An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Top 5 Destinations: Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.

Harelip Sucker is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Historically 12–16 inches. A distinctive, specialized sucker with a unique lip structure — now lost from North America's rivers

Historically found in clear streams of the Ozarks and upper Tennessee River drainage — now extinct or possibly extinct. This species was last documented in the 1890s — it is considered extinct or possibly extinct, having disappeared due to siltation, impoundment, and habitat degradation in its former range. The Harelip Sucker had a distinctive divided, hare-like upper lip adapted for scraping algae from rocks An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom. Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.