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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

The Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), commonly called 'sheepshead' in Illinois, is the only North American member of the drum family to live entirely in freshwater.

Found statewide throughout Illinois, these adaptable fish inhabit warm, slow-moving rivers and lakes throughout Illinois, preferring deeper waters (up to 40-60 feet) with sand or gravel bottoms, though they tolerate turbid conditions.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, silvery fish are distinguished by their humpback appearance, sub-terminal mouth with blunt rounded snout, and unique lateral line that extends into their rounded tail fin.
  • Illinois state records include a 38-pound 4-ounce hook-and-line catch in 2018 and a 20-pound 4-ounce bowfishing record in 2023.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide throughout Illinois.
  • These adaptable fish inhabit warm, slow-moving rivers and lakes throughout Illinois, preferring deeper waters (up to 40-60 feet) with sand or gravel bottoms, though they tolerate turbid conditions.

Key Locations

  • Prime Illinois locations include the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers for trophy-sized fish, Fox River system (particularly the lower free-flowing segments), Lake Michigan harbors and Chicago lakefront areas, and the Chicago River system.
  • They're found in the Illinois River, Mississippi River, Fox River system, Lake Michigan harbors, Chicago River, and various lakes and reservoirs statewide.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on water depths of 40-60 feet during summer, though they can be found in faster-moving shallow water in rivers.
  • Deep river channels near rock outcroppings.
  • In spring, target slow-moving pools next to fast water, particularly curl backs near faster-moving channels or rock outcroppings with sandy or gravel beds.
  • Target slow-moving pools, backwaters, and eddies near fast-moving channels.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs, deep-diving crankbaits, spoons (especially gold dimpled or solid silver), and lead-head jigs. Live baits - nightcrawlers, crayfish, minnows, freshwater shrimp, and shiners. Bobber fishing with nightcrawlers, shad, crickets, and shiners. Highly reflective gold or silver spinners, jerk baits, and crankbaits.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Illinois?

Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white, black or olive Woolly Buggers, natural Muddler Minnows, and black stonefly nymph patterns.

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

Summer months, particularly June and July. In spring, target slow-moving pools next to fast water. Fall fishing is productive as drum feed heavily before winter. In winter, fish deeper areas (up to 60 feet).

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Illinois?

Bottom-bouncing techniques, focusing on water depths of 40-60 feet during summer. Try bobber fishing, or bottom-bounce nightcrawlers in deep river channels near rock outcroppings. For fly fishing, slowly retrieving flies along creek features like submerged islands, sunken trees, and through eddies.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Freshwater Dr.um are primarily bottom feeders with a diet that changes seasonally - in spring (April-May), dipterans comprise about 50% of their diet, while from August through November, fish (primarily young gizzard shad) make up 52-94% of their diet.

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