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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) are not native to California, but the state is home to the closely related Sacramento Sucker (Catostomus occidentalis), which fills a similar ecological niche.

Sacramento Suckers are native California fish found throughout much of the state's freshwater systems, capable of thriving in diverse conditions from clear cool streams to lakes and mild estuarine environments like the San Francisco Bay Delta.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii (White Sucker), Catostomus occidentalis (Sacramento Sucker)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their fleshy, papillose lips on a subterminal mouth, growing up to 56cm in length with green to brown backs and yellow-gold to white undersides.
  • During breeding season, both males and females develop red lateral stripes and tubercles.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout much of California's freshwater systems, capable of thriving in diverse conditions from clear cool streams to lakes and mild estuarine environments like the San Francisco Bay Delta.
  • Found across numerous California watersheds.

Key Locations

  • Sacramento River system, San Joaquin Delta, Russian River, Eel River, American River, Mokelumne River, and many coastal watersheds.
  • Target productive California waters including the Upper Sacramento River system, Mokelumne River, American River, Russian River, Eel River, and various tributaries throughout the Central Valley.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper pools, runs, and riffles in rivers and streams, or areas near structure like vegetation, rocks, or woody debris that provide cover.
  • Adults typically rest in deeper water during the day and occupy pools, runs, and riffles where vegetation or rocks provide cover from predators.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for White Sucker in California?

Best time is outside their spawning period (February-June), with optimal fishing from late summer through early winter.

How do you catch White Sucker in California?

Fish on the bottom using slip sinker rigs with 1/8 to 1/4-ounce e.g.g sinkers and size 6 bait holder hooks. For fly fishing, choose flies that sink quickly and adjust fly size based on water clarity: use larger flies in muddy water and smaller patterns in clear conditions.

What do White Sucker eat?

Sacramento Suckers are omnivorous bottom feeders with diets consisting primarily of diatoms, detritus, algae, and invertebrates.

Where do White Sucker live in California?

Found throughout much of California's freshwater systems, capable of thriving in diverse conditions from clear cool streams to lakes and mild estuarine environments like the San Francisco Bay Delta. Found across numerous California watersheds.

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