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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive freshwater sucker species found throughout Minnesota's river systems, belonging to the family Catostomidae.

These fish are challenging to catch deliberately and are typically found as part of diverse fish communities that include brown trout, smallmouth bass, and various sucker species.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • This fish has a pronounced, fleshy subterminal mouth, large head, and narrow body mottled with black markings over a light brown-white background - coloration that provides excellent camouflage against gravel bottoms.
  • They can grow up to 33 cm (13 inches) and live up to 11 years, with larger specimens typically being female.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Extending northward from southern states, and can be found in both the Great Lakes system and mid-Atlantic drainages.
  • They inhabit rocky creeks, small to medium-sized rivers, and can occur in both cold and warm water streams, occasionally in reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Present in Minnesota's Mississippi River Basin waters.
  • In Minnesota, they're documented in waters like the Lower Tamarack River in Pine County, various southeastern Minnesota trout streams including Spring Valley Creek, Willow Creek, Kedron Creek, Lost Creek, Mill Creek, Trout Run Creek, Gribben Creek, and the Whitewater River system.
  • In Minnesota's southeastern trout streams, look for them in the rocky sections of waters like Trout Run Creek, the Root River system, and Whitewater River tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer clear, fast-flowing water with riffle areas where they can forage effectively.
  • Target riffle areas in clear, fast-flowing streams and small rivers where they actively feed.
  • Focus efforts on areas with gravel bottoms and good current flow.
  • Since they're bottom feeders that prefer rocky substrates.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait being the most effective approach. Red worms or nightcrawlers on small hooks work best. Traditional corn baits are ineffective - hogsuckers want algae-covered hooks beneath pebbles rather than obvious baits.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Minnesota?

Flies such as hare's ear nymphs can work when placed perfectly, though this requires exceptional precision.

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

The best fishing occurs outside their May spawning period when water temperatures are around 15°C. Avoid targeting them during May when they spawn in shallow water riffles when water temperatures reach about 15°C (59°F).

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Minnesota?

Dr.ift your bait naturally with the current, but anchoring it lightly on the bottom with minimal weight is more effective than free-drifting. Your hook needs to be positioned under small pebbles or rocks where they naturally forage, since these fish feed by rooting through substrate beneath rocks.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates, insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, algae, and bits of vegetation. They feed by scraping the top surface of rubble, turning over stones, and sucking up loosened material containing small organisms.

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