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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker is a native freshwater fish species widely distributed throughout Michigan's waters.

These bottom-dwelling fish play important ecological roles as forage for larger predators like walleye, northern pike, bass, trout, and muskellunge, while also serving as nutrient distributors between deep and shallow water systems.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • Torpedo-shaped bodies with olive-brown to black coloration on their backs and lighter undersides.
  • They're distinguished by their fleshy, papillose lips positioned on the underside of their head for vacuum-feeding on sediments and organisms.
  • Adult white suckers typically range from 12-20 inches and weigh 2-6 pounds.
  • During spawning season, breeding males develop distinctive red or cream stripes along their sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in diverse habitats from small streams and rivers to lakes.
  • In Michigan, they inhabit waters throughout the state including the Great Lakes, tributaries like the Clinton River, Paint Creek, Boardman River, Manistee River system, and numerous inland lakes.

Key Locations

  • Au Sable River system, Clinton River watershed, Paint Creek, Plaster Creek near Grand Rapids, and Bear Creek on the Manistee River.
  • Michigan's state record being 7.19 pounds from the Au Sable River in Iosco County.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with current breaks, eddies, deep pools, and slack water behind logjams and downed trees.
  • Look for riffles and deeper holes below dams and overflows where they congregate.
  • Target gravel-bottomed spawning areas during appropriate seasons.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small pieces of garden worms or nightcrawlers are the most effective baits. Whole worms can produce larger fish.

What flies work for White Sucker in Michigan?

Small nymphs, scud patterns, chironomid larvae imitations, wooly buggers, and worm patterns. Sucker spawn e.g.g patterns in natural chartreuse colors have proven particularly effective.

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

Spring after spawning and fall are productive seasons. Avoid April-May spawning period.

How do you catch White Sucker in Michigan?

Bottom fishing with slip sinker rigs. Sight-fishing possible with polarized glasses when fish are visible in shallow water during feeding periods. Present baits and flies on or near the bottom where suckers naturally feed, and be patient as they may require multiple passes before taking a fly.

What do White Sucker eat?

Omnivorous bottom feeders with highly variable diets including chironomid larvae (midges), amphipods, aquatic insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae, plant matter, detritus, and occasionally fish e.g.gs.

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