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White Sucker

White Sucker

The White Sucker is a freshwater cypriniform fish found as far south as Georgia, representing the southern edge of its natural range. They are highly adaptable bottom feeders with distinctive fleshy, papillose lips used to vacuum sediments and organic matter.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically measure 12-20 inches and weigh 2-6 pounds, with a long, round body featuring dark green, grey, copper, brown, or black coloration and a light underbelly.
  • Males develop distinctive golden coloration and red stripes during spawning season.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer small streams, rivers, and lakes.
  • In Georgia, nonindigenous occurrences have been documented from 1993 to 2014 across six hydrologic unit codes.

Key Locations

  • Focus on the Chattahoochee River system and northern Georgia streams where populations are established.
  • Nonindigenous occurrences documented from the Conasauga, Coosawattee, Middle Chattahoochee-Lake Harding, Upper Chattahoochee, Upper Coosa, and Upper Ocmulgee watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with slow to moderate currents in pools with rubble, gravel, and sand substrates.
  • Fish near current breaks, eddies, deep pools, and areas behind logjams and fallen trees, particularly where feeder streams enter larger waters.
  • Focus on areas with cover including exposed tree roots, brush piles, undercut banks, and large boulders.
  • Target depths of 61-90 cm where adults are most commonly found.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Sucker in Georgia?

Garden worms and nightcrawlers are highly effective - cut into smaller pieces for better hook-up ratios.

What flies work for White Sucker in Georgia?

Employ nymph patterns, scud imitations, and worm-like flies that sink quickly to the bottom.

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

Spring (March-early April) and fall when they're most actively feeding. Avoid targeting them during spawning season in April and May when they focus on reproduction rather than feeding.

How do you catch White Sucker in Georgia?

For bait fishing, target areas with slow to moderate currents around 15 cm/sec. For fly fishing, employ sight fishing in clear water, casting well upstream to allow flies to reach the bottom before approaching the fish.

What do White Sucker eat?

They're omnivorous, consuming small invertebrates (particularly chironomid larvae, amphipods, and gastropods), algae, plant matter, mollusks, fish e.g.gs, and aquatic insects.

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