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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

The Freshwater Drum is the only North American member of the drum family that lives exclusively in freshwater throughout its entire life cycle.

In Missouri, freshwater drum are native and abundant throughout the state's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, particularly in the Missouri River system where they're frequently encountered by anglers.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheepshead, gaspergou, silver bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish distinguished by their distinctive humpback appearance and lateral line that extends all the way to their tail.
  • These fish can exceed 15 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native and abundant throughout the state's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, particularly in the Missouri River system.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River system, though drum are present in lakes and reservoirs statewide.

Specific Spots

  • Target river channels, deep rock outcroppings, areas near fast-moving current, current breaks, behind wing dikes, areas where slow water meets fast current.
  • In fall: slow-moving pools and backwaters near fast water.
  • Prefer depths up to 40-60 feet, favoring clean sand and gravel substrates.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits: nightcrawlers, shad, crickets, shiners. Artificial lures: jerk baits, gold or silver spoons (especially dimpled or solid varieties), crankbaits, lead head jigs, small crankbaits.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Missouri?

Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white, Woolly Buggers in black or olive, Muddler Minnows in natural deer hair, black stonefly nymphs.

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

Prime time: June and July. In fall, they migrate to tributaries. Winter fishing requires going deep (up to 60 feet). Spawning occurs in late spring through early summer (May-June) when water temperatures reach 68°F - this period should be avoided for fishing to protect spawning populations.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Missouri?

Bottom fishing, bobber fishing, retrieve slowly through eddies and current breaks for fly fishing. Target depths of 40-60 feet in summer using fish finders to locate schools.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Opportunistic bottom feeders with varied diet that changes seasonally - in spring (April-May), they focus heavily on dipterans which comprise about 50% of their diet, while from August through November they shift to eating fish (primarily young gizzard shad) which can make up 52-94% of their diet.

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Missouri licenses and regulations

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