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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker is a highly adaptable freshwater fish native to Maryland that inhabits a wide variety of stream and lake environments.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish have a distinctive torpedo-shaped body with a downward-facing sucker mouth and thick, fleshy lips used for bottom feeding.
  • Adults typically reach 12-20 inches and weigh 2-6 pounds, with a dark green, olive-brown, or copper coloration and white belly.
  • During spawning season, males develop darker coloration with cream-colored lateral bands.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The Anne Arundel County Atlas identifies White Sucker as widespread and somewhat frequent when observed across nearly all county watersheds.
  • They inhabit streams with low to moderate gradients and are tolerant of turbid and polluted waters.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Upper Potomac, Upper Patuxent, and Tuckahoe Creek on the Eastern Shore.
  • In Maryland, they're found throughout most major watersheds including the Patuxent, South, Patapsco, Susquehanna, and Potomac river systems.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in shallow areas near riffles, current breaks, eddies, deep pools below waterfalls or dams, and inlet areas where tributaries enter larger waters.
  • They prefer slow to moderate current areas (10-40 cm/sec) in pools with cover such as logs, brush, undercut banks, and debris.
  • Target areas with mixed substrate of gravel, sand, and silt near cover like logs, undercut banks, or boulder fields.
  • Fish are typically found in water depths of 2-8 feet in slower current areas adjacent to faster water.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits are pieces of nightcrawlers or garden worms presented on the bottom. Small pieces work better than large chunks since White Sucker have relatively small mouths.

What flies work for White Sucker in Maryland?

Use small nymphs, scud patterns, worm imitations, and other bottom-dwelling flies that sink quickly. In clear water use smaller flies; in muddy conditions scale up for better visibility.

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

Spring during spawning season (April-May) offers the best fishing opportunities. Early morning and evening tend to be most productive, though they can be caught throughout the day.

How do you catch White Sucker in Maryland?

For bait fishing, employ a simple fish finder rig. For fly fishing, present flies on or near the bottom. Fish slowly and methodically. Look for subtle takes and maintain contact with the bottom.

What do White Sucker eat?

White Sucker are bottom feeders that consume a diverse diet including benthic invertebrates, chironomid larvae, small crustaceans, mollusks, fish e.g.gs, algae, and plant matter.

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