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Spotted Sucker

Spotted Sucker

The Spotted Sucker is a native Indiana fish found in 19 different sucker species throughout the state's rivers, streams, and reservoirs. These fish are highly sensitive to water pollution and serve as indicators of good water quality.

Scientific Name: Minytrema melanops

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by 8-12 parallel rows of dark spots at the base of each scale, creating distinctive rows of small black spots along their bronze-green to copper-silver bodies.
  • They can reach up to 19 inches and weigh up to 2.6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit deep pools of small to medium rivers over clay, sand, or gravel substrates, preferring clean, clear water with firm substrates.
  • They prefer sluggish water but can be found in various habitats including the Ohio River system.

Key Locations

  • White River system, Wabash River, Ohio River tributaries, and smaller tributaries.
  • The Indiana record is 12 pounds, 3.3 ounces from the White River in Bartholomew County.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep pools of small to medium rivers over clay, sand, or gravel bottoms.
  • Target areas behind rocks, in eddies, and slow water near current breaks where fish rest and feed.

Spotted Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Sucker in Indiana?

Effective baits include nightcrawlers (whole or in pieces), red worms, small crayfish, and minnows.

What flies work for Spotted Sucker in Indiana?

Use weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown colors. Effective fly patterns include San Juan Worms, nymphs, e.g.g patterns like Nuclear Eggs, and small crayfish imitations.

When is the best time to fish for Spotted Sucker in Indiana?

Late winter through early summer before and after their March-May spawning period. During spawning season, avoid targeting these fish as they focus on reproduction rather than feeding.

How do you catch Spotted Sucker in Indiana?

Use a dead drift or slow retrieve along the bottom, and set the hook quickly when you feel the line stop or see the fish's mouth extend, as they will quickly spit out artificial offerings. Focus on sight-fishing when possible - cast directly to visible fish and watch for mouth extension when they take the fly.

What do Spotted Sucker eat?

Spotted Suckers feed primarily on organic fragments, copepods, cladocerans, chironomids (midge larvae), diatoms, and other benthic invertebrates. Their feeding habits change throughout life stages - larvae feed on zooplankton in shallow backwaters, while adults become bottom feeders in deeper waters.

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