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White Sucker

White Sucker

The White Sucker is Iowa's second most commonly collected fish species, found in 62. 5% of all monitored sites across the state. They're highly adaptable, tolerating turbid and polluted waters.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • Slender, fine-scaled suckers display dark greenish coloration along the back and sides with a brassy or silvery luster and white belly.
  • They're distinguished from other suckers by their complete lateral line with 55-85 small scales and fleshy, papillose lips with wart-like projections.
  • Adults commonly reach 10-16 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Distributed statewide in Iowa, primarily in small rivers and streams, but also inhabiting major water bodies.

Key Locations

  • Spirit Lake, Clear Lake, the Okoboji lakes, Red Rock and Saylorville reservoirs, Cedar River sections, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Missouri River, Mississippi River and their tributaries, Upper Iowa River, Turkey River, and Wapsipinicon River systems.

Specific Spots

  • Target slower-moving waters in streams and the deeper areas of lakes, focusing on pools, areas near structure, and gravel-bottom zones.
  • Fish near inlets, outlets, and areas where current enters still water.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Garden worms, nightcrawlers, and small pieces of crawler fished on the bottom. Small jigs tipped with crawler pieces.

What flies work for White Sucker in Iowa?

Weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown colors, with sucker spawn e.g.g patterns (especially natural chartreuse).

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

Spring after spawning and summer being productive periods. Avoid fishing during spawning period in late spring when water temperatures reach 57-68 degrees.

How do you catch White Sucker in Iowa?

Using slip sinker rigs with e.g.g sinkers and size 6 baitholders, or small jigs tipped with crawler pieces. Fish on the bottom.

What do White Sucker eat?

As bottom feeders, they consume aquatic insect larvae, small mollusks, crustaceans, terrestrial worms, chironomid larvae, and fingernail clams.

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