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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Suckers are widespread native fish found statewide throughout Illinois, including Lake Michigan. They're highly adaptable bottom feeders that thrive in creeks, small rivers, and lakes across all regions of the state.

White Suckers are prolific throughout Illinois waterways and are extremely tolerant of various water conditions and can survive in turbid, polluted waters where other species cannot, making them one of Illinois' most resilient fish species.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish typically reach 10-16 inches in length and are characterized by their distinctive sucker mouth with fleshy papillae-covered lips used for feeding along the bottom.
  • They have green-brown to black backs with silver sides, and scales often outlined with dark pigment.
  • During spawning season, males develop gold coloration with red or pink side stripes and small projections called tubercles on their head, body, and fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They thrive in creeks, small rivers, and lakes across all regions of the state.

Key Locations

  • Target areas include the Fox Chain O'Lakes, Fox River system, Apple River in the driftless region, Plum River, Carroll Creek, and various Illinois tributaries to Lake Michigan.
  • White Suckers are prolific throughout Illinois waterways, from the Upper Mississippi River Basin including Jo Daviess and Carroll counties, to the Fox River system spanning multiple counties, and various other river systems like the Kankakee, Des Plaines, and Illinois rivers.
  • They're commonly found in both Lake Michigan and its tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them in pools with moderate flow, areas with gravel and sand substrates, and near structure like logs, brush, or undercut banks.
  • They're often found in deeper pools during non-spawning periods and in shallow riffles during migration times.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small baits are most effective - garden worms, nightcrawlers (use 1/2 or 1/3 of a worm), and wax worms all produce well.

What flies work for White Sucker in Illinois?

For fly fishing, weighted streamers in sizes 4-8 work effectively, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown colors. Sucker spawn e.g.g patterns are highly effective, especially natural chartreuse colored flies that imitate sucker e.g.g clusters.

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

Late spring through fall offers the best fishing opportunities. This spawning period should be avoided by anglers to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch White Sucker in Illinois?

Sight-fishing is the most effective technique - cast your fly a few inches in front of feeding suckers, anticipating their forward movement. Watch their mouths carefully and set the hook immediately when you see them extend their lips to suck up your fly.

What do White Sucker eat?

As bottom feeders, they primarily eat insects, small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter using their vacuum-like mouths to suck up sediments and organisms from stream and lake floors.

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