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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), commonly called sheepshead in Minnesota, are the only North American drum family member to live entirely in freshwater.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish have a distinctive humped back, long sloping forehead, and white lips, typically measuring 10-14 inches in Minnesota waters, though historically reached up to 24 inches and 10 pounds in the Mississippi River.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the lower Mississippi, St.
  • Croix, Minnesota, and Red river drainages, with recent introductions to the St.
  • Louis River estuary and southwestern Minnesota lakes.
  • Prefer large rivers and shallow lakes with mud or sand bottoms in slow-moving, turbid water.

Key Locations

  • Lake St.
  • Croix, Mississippi River downstream of Saint Anthony Falls, Minnesota River and tributaries, Madison and Washington lakes near Mankato, Fairmont Chain of Lakes, Fox Lake near Sherburne, Norway and Wilmer lakes, Red River and Red Lake River in northwest Minnesota, and Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, and Traverse lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 5-10 feet in summer around current areas and rocky reefs.
  • Spring finds them in slow-moving pools near faster water and rocky outcroppings.
  • Target hard bottom areas as they feed heavily on zebra mussels and crustaceans.
  • Bridge crossings with fishing walkways are excellent locations.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Freshwater Drum in Minnesota?

Nightcrawlers or leeches for slip bobber rigs. Jigs (1/4-1/2 ounce) particularly effective with nightcrawlers or leeches replacing rubber bodies. Small plugs when trolling.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Minnesota?

Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white, black or olive Woolly Buggers, natural Muddler Minnows, and black bead-head stonefly nymphs.

When is the best time to fish for Freshwater Drum in Minnesota?

Prime drum fishing occurs June-July when they move to deeper waters after spawning. Spawning occurs in May-June when water temperatures reach 19°C (66°F), making this period ideal to avoid targeting them.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Minnesota?

Slip bobber rigs with circle hooks placed 6 inches to 1 foot off bottom for still waters. Cast and retrieve steadily or jig vertically. Small plugs work surprisingly well when trolling, especially in fall. Shore fishing from piers works equally well. Retrieved slowly along bottom features for fly fishing.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Benthic feeders. Their diet shifts seasonally: dipterans comprise 50% of their diet in April-May, while fish (primarily young gizzard shad) make up 52-94% from August through November. They also consume mayfly larvae, crayfish, snails, mussels (including invasive zebra mussels), and small fish.

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