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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are the only North American member of the drum family that lives exclusively in freshwater. These deep-bodied, silvery fish are bottom feeders with heavy pharyngeal teeth ideal for crushing zebra mussels and clams.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as gaspergou

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish.
  • Alabama's freshwater drum typically reach 28 inches and 10 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Distributed throughout the Mobile basin (primarily below the Fall Line) and the Tennessee River drainage, but are notably absent from coastal drainages east of the Mobile basin.

Key Locations

  • Mobile basin (primarily below the Fall Line), Tennessee River drainage, Wheeler Dam, Wilson Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Look for areas where slow water meets faster-moving channels or rock outcroppings.
  • Fish around structure near deep water, particularly below dams, and target current breaks, bridge pilings, and rockpiles.
  • In summer, drop baits into deep river channels (20-30 feet) or near rock outcroppings.
  • Small drum inhabit backwaters and river margins, while large individuals prefer swift areas below dams.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Freshwater Drum in Alabama?

Live baits: nightcrawlers, shad, crickets, shiners, crawfish, and freshwater shrimp. Artificial lures: jerkbaits, gold or silver spoons (especially dimpled), lead-head jigs, deep-diving crankbaits, bladebaits, and soft plastics like grubs and creature baits.

When is the best time to fish for Freshwater Drum in Alabama?

Peak fishing: June and July. Spring: productive during spawning season (May through mid-summer). Fall: excellent fishing as drum feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Alabama?

Bottom fishing is most effective - use techniques like bottom-bouncing nightcrawlers or bobber fishing. Fish fight as hard as largemouth bass when hooked.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Consume aquatic insects, amphipods, crayfish, mollusks (especially mussels), and fish, with distinct seasonal variations - dipterans dominate their diet in April-May (50%), while fish comprise 52-94% from August through November.

Where do Freshwater Drum live in Alabama?

Distributed throughout the Mobile basin (primarily below the Fall Line) and the Tennessee River drainage, but are notably absent from coastal drainages east of the Mobile basin.

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