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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are native to Indiana waters and widely distributed throughout the state. They're the only North American drum species living entirely in freshwater.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as croaker, white perch, rock perch, sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery, deep-bodied fish have a distinctive humpbacked appearance with long dorsal fins divided into two parts.
  • Adults commonly reach 12-20 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds in Indiana.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in small and large rivers, reservoirs, and the Great Lakes portion of Indiana.

Key Locations

  • Fort Wayne's three rivers (St.
  • Joseph, St.
  • Marys, Maumee), particularly around Johnny Appleseed Park dam and Hosey Dam/Maumee River Dam, plus Lake Michigan tributaries and Indiana's larger reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Fish on or near the bottom in large pools, deep river channels, and reservoir areas 30+ feet deep.
  • These bottom-dwellers prefer large pools in streams and depths of 30+ feet in reservoirs.
  • Spring: spawning areas in slow-moving pools near fast water.
  • Summer: deep river channels or near deep rock outcroppings.
  • Fall: slow-moving pools, backwaters, and eddies near fast-moving channels.
  • Winter: deeper areas up to 60 feet.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait - nightcrawlers, crayfish, and small minnows are most effective. For artificial lures, use small spinners, fly-and-spinner combinations, jerk baits, spoons (especially gold dimpled or solid silver), and lead head jigs. Spring: highly reflective gold or silver spinners, jerk baits, and crankbaits.

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

Freshwater drum fishing peaks during summer months, particularly June and July. Spring fishing in spawning areas. Fall fishing mirrors spring techniques with drum feeding aggressively before winter. Winter fishing targets deeper areas. Avoid fishing during spawning in late April through May.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Indiana?

Bottom fishing techniques. Spring: cast upstream and retrieve with current while keeping rod tip raised. Summer: deeper presentations dropped into deep river channels or near deep rock outcroppings. Fall: fishing in slow-moving pools, backwaters, and eddies near fast-moving channels.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Their diet consists primarily of fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects, with seasonal variations - dipterans dominating their diet in April-May (50% of diet), while fish consumption increases dramatically in August-November (52-94% of diet). They feed by moving rocks with their snouts to uncover prey.

Where do Freshwater Drum live in Indiana?

Found in small and large rivers, reservoirs, and the Great Lakes portion of Indiana.

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