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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive freshwater sucker fish with a pronounced, fleshy subterminal mouth, large head, and narrow body mottled with black markings over a light brown-white base.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive freshwater sucker fish with a pronounced, fleshy subterminal mouth, large head, and narrow body mottled with black markings over a light brown-white base.
  • These fish can reach up to 2 feet in length and weigh up to 2 pounds, with females typically growing larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These fish inhabit deep riffles of small to medium-sized streams requiring permanent flows of clear, cool water over rocky bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Currently, Northern Hogsuckers occur only in the Spring River and Shoal Creek in Cherokee County.
  • A century ago they were found in the Neosho and Osage Rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep riffles with permanent clear, cool water flow over rocky bottoms.
  • Focus fishing efforts around riffle areas where they're most active.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Hogsucker in Kansas?

Live bait, particularly red worms or nightcrawlers. Small soft plastic lures like Mini Trout Magnet can occasionally work when perfectly placed, but success rates are very low compared to live bait.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Kansas?

Flies such as hare's ear nymphs can occasionally work when perfectly placed, but success rates are very low compared to live bait.

When is the best time to fish for Northern Hogsucker in Kansas?

The best fishing occurs outside their April-May spawning period when they're actively feeding rather than focused on reproduction.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Kansas?

When targeting them, locate the fish first, then cast upstream and drift your bait naturally with the current, ideally getting it right in front of or under the fish. More effective is anchoring your bait on the bottom lightly with weight near rocky areas where they forage.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, algae, and bits of vegetation. They scrape material off rocks and vacuum up particles.

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