Body Type & Identification: Longnose 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. Typically 12–20 inches and 1–4 lbs. Distinguished by the long snout overhanging the subterminal mouth. An important prey species for Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, and other cold-water predators in the North
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: Found from Alaska and northern Canada south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico, and east through the Great Lakes to New England. The most widely distributed sucker in North America — found in cold, clear mountain streams and lakes throughout the North 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.
Longnose 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. Typically 12–20 inches and 1–4 lbs. Distinguished by the long snout overhanging the subterminal mouth. An important prey species for Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, and other cold-water predators in the North
Habitat
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Found from Alaska and northern Canada south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico, and east through the Great Lakes to New England. The most widely distributed sucker in North America — found in cold, clear mountain streams and lakes throughout the North An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.
Water Conditions
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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.
Tackle & Bait
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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 Fishing Locations
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45 fishing locations where you can catch Longnose Sucker
Ackley Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Hobson, Montana
Ashley Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Kalispell, Montana
Bailey Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Coram, Montana
Bair Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Checkerboard, Montana
Fresno Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Havre, Montana
Georgetown Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Georgetown, Montana
Glen Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Tobacco, Montana
Governor Creek
🏞️ Freshwater
Beaverhead County, Montana
Halfmoon Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
West Glacier, Montana
Hansen Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Fergus County, Montana
Hauser Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Lakeside, Montana
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Helena Valley Southeast, Montana
Hieronymous Pond
🏞️ Freshwater
Hamilton, Montana
Holland Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Condon, Montana
Hollecker Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Glendive, Montana
Holter Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Wolf Creek, Montana
Hungry Horse Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Helena Flats, Montana
Island Lake (Flathead County)
🏞️ Freshwater
Marion, Montana
Kaiser Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Granite County, Montana
Lake Alva
🏞️ Freshwater
Missoula County, Montana
Lake Como
🏞️ Freshwater
Darby, Montana
Lake Elmo
🏞️ Freshwater
Billings, Montana
Lake Five
🏞️ Freshwater
Coram, Montana
Lake Frances
🏞️ Freshwater
Valier, Montana
Lake Inez
🏞️ Freshwater
Condon, Montana
Lindbergh Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Condon, Montana
Little Bitterroot Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Marion, Montana
Martinsdale Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Martinsdale, Montana
Mcgregor Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Pine Prairie, Montana
Mcvey Creek
🏞️ Freshwater
Beaverhead County, Montana
Middle Thompson Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Happys Inn, Montana
Moose Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Anaconda, Montana
Newlan Creek Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
North Faber Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Zurich, Montana
Peck Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Salmon Prairie, Montana
Pierce Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Condon, Montana
Placid Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Seeley Lake, Montana
Rainy Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Seeley Lake, Montana
Ruby River Reservoir
🏞️ Freshwater
Kingrey Place, Montana
Salmon Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Seeley Lake, Montana
Seeley Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Seeley Lake, Montana
South Fork Judith RIver
🏞️ Freshwater
Judith County, Montana
Spotted Eagle Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Miles City, Montana
Spring Creek
🏞️ Freshwater
Chouteau, Montana
Spring Meadow Lake
🏞️ Freshwater
Helena, Montana
From the Angler's Guide
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.