River Carpsucker

Body Type & Identification: River Carpsucker 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 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Silver to olive-green. Extremely abundant in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers — a common catch for river anglers

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 Mississippi, Missouri, and Rio Grande drainages — one of the most common suckers of large Midwest rivers. A large-river species found over sandy and muddy bottom in moderate current. The most common carpsucker in the Missouri and lower Mississippi Rivers. Tolerates turbid conditions better than most suckers 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.

River Carpsucker 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 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Silver to olive-green. Extremely abundant in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers — a common catch for river anglers

Found throughout the Mississippi, Missouri, and Rio Grande drainages — one of the most common suckers of large Midwest rivers. A large-river species found over sandy and muddy bottom in moderate current. The most common carpsucker in the Missouri and lower Mississippi Rivers. Tolerates turbid conditions better than most suckers 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.

3 fishing locations where you can catch River Carpsucker

1 official record on file for River Carpsucker