Northern Hogsucker
The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive bottom-dwelling member of the sucker family found in Iowa's clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers.
Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans
- These fish have a characteristic large, boxy head with thick lips covered in wart-like bumps, a mottled brownish body with dark saddle-shaped patches, and a narrow, tapered body.
- Adults typically range 8-15 inches and weigh one-third to 1½ pounds, though specimens up to 22 inches and 3 pounds have been caught in Iowa waters like the Cedar River.
Fishing in Iowa
Iowa River
South Skunk River
Lake Red Rock
Saylorville Lake
Cedar River
Des Moines River
Raccoon River
Middle River
Big Creek
Union Grove Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Iowa, Northern Hogsuckers are abundant in northeastern Iowa's upper river reaches and throughout the entire Des Moines River drainage, but are rarely found in the Mississippi River's main channel and never in the Missouri River drainage.
Key Locations
- Volga River, Upper Iowa River sections, Cedar River segments from above Nashua through Cedar Rapids to Moscow, Shell Rock River above Greene, Wapsipinicon River from Troy Mills to Oxford Junction, and various trout streams including Yellow River, Maquoketa River trout portions, and Bear Creek.
Specific Spots
- They prefer clear streams with rapid current and gravel, rubble, or boulder substrates, especially riffle areas.
- Target riffle areas where they're actively foraging.
Northern Hogsucker FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Northern Hogsucker in Iowa?
Red worms or nightcrawlers on small hooks work best. Small soft plastics like Mini Trout Magnet can work when precisely placed.
What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Iowa?
Flies such as hare's ear nymphs, weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown.
How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Iowa?
Live bait is the most effective approach. Sight-fishing: locate the fish first, then cast upstream and drift your bait naturally with the current, placing it directly in front of or under the fish. Lightly anchoring bait on the bottom with minimal weight is more effective than drifting.
What do Northern Hogsucker eat?
Their diet consists mainly of immature aquatic insects, small mollusks, crustaceans, diatoms, and algae.
Where do Northern Hogsucker live in Iowa?
In Iowa, Northern Hogsuckers are abundant in northeastern Iowa's upper river reaches and throughout the entire Des Moines River drainage, but are rarely found in the Mississippi River's main channel and never in the Missouri River drainage.
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