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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive freshwater fish native to Arkansas, inhabiting the upland streams of the Ozark and Ouachita Highlands throughout the state.

They're excellent water quality indicators - their presence generally predicts clean, unpolluted water.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • This odd-looking fish has a rectangular concave head, long blunt snout with large fleshy lips covered in large papillae, and a body that's wide in front, abruptly tapering behind the dorsal fin.
  • They display three to six dusky or brown mottled saddles on their sides with dark-olive or bronze to red-brown coloration above and pale yellow or white below.
  • Northern Hogsuckers can reach up to 22.5 inches and weigh up to 4.3 pounds, though they're more commonly caught in the 8-10 inch range.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabiting the upland streams of the Ozark and Ouachita Highlands throughout Arkansas.
  • Found in the Arkansas River Valley, Boston Mountains, Ozark Highlands, and Ouachita Mountains ecoregions.

Key Locations

  • Upland streams of the Ozark and Ouachita regions.
  • Arkansas River Valley, Boston Mountains, Ozark Highlands, and Ouachita Mountains ecoregions.

Specific Spots

  • Target riffle areas in warm water medium-sized creeks and small rivers, though they also occur in cold water streams and occasionally larger rivers.
  • They prefer clear, permanent streams with gravel or rocky substrates, particularly deep riffles, raceways, and pools with current.
  • Look for areas around riffles and pools with moderate current.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Hogsucker in Arkansas?

Red worms or nightcrawlers on small hooks. Small soft plastics like Mini Trout Magnets can work when perfectly placed.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Arkansas?

Weighted streamers in sizes 4-8 with conehead or beadhead patterns in black and brown colors.

When is the best time to fish for Northern Hogsucker in Arkansas?

The best fishing occurs during cooler months from fall through spring when water temperatures are 22°C (72°F) or below, avoiding the May spawning period.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Arkansas?

Live bait being the most effective approach - cast upstream and drift bait naturally with the current to get right in front of or under the fish. Lightly anchor your bait on the bottom with weight for best results. Sight-fishing is essential.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

These bottom-dwellers feed primarily on insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, and bits of vegetation by scraping the top surface of rubble, turning over stones, and sucking up loosened material.

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