Quillback

Body Type & Identification: Quillback 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 10–16 inches and 1–3 lbs. Silver to olive with a distinctive dorsal fin. A common catch in large Midwestern rivers and their reservoirs

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 throughout the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi River tributaries from Quebec south to the Gulf Coast — one of the most widespread carpsuckers. Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs over sandy and muddy bottom. Distinguished by the very long front rays of the dorsal fin — the 'quill' reference. A common large-river sucker of the eastern US 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.

Quillback 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 10–16 inches and 1–3 lbs. Silver to olive with a distinctive dorsal fin. A common catch in large Midwestern rivers and their reservoirs

Found throughout the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi River tributaries from Quebec south to the Gulf Coast — one of the most widespread carpsuckers. Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs over sandy and muddy bottom. Distinguished by the very long front rays of the dorsal fin — the 'quill' reference. A common large-river sucker of the eastern US 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.

1 official record on file for Quillback