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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are the only member of the drum family native to Montana, found exclusively in larger streams and reservoirs in the plains region of Montana's eastern drainages, primarily the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.

They're nicknamed 'sheepshead' and are known for producing drumming sounds by vibrating muscles against their swim bladders.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery fish with pearl-gray backs, easily distinguished as the only Montana fish whose lateral line extends onto the tail.
  • Montana's state record came from Fort Peck Reservoir at 21.59 pounds, though they can exceed 40 pounds elsewhere.
  • They have small mouths relative to their size.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found exclusively in larger streams and reservoirs in the plains region of Montana's eastern drainages, primarily the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.

Key Locations

  • Missouri and Yellowstone river systems, Fort Peck Reservoir, Upper Missouri Arm from Bone Trail to Turkey Joe at Fort Peck.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper water channels, drop-offs, rock piles, and structure.
  • They prefer deep pools of large streams, lakes, and reservoirs with clean bottoms and moderate turbidity, typically found 40-60 feet deep.
  • On Fort Peck Reservoir, target the Upper Missouri Arm, particularly around submerged rubble piles and deeper areas.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Night crawlers on #1-2 hooks (the most effective bait), minnows, crayfish, leeches, crickets, shiners, small jigs (1-ounce models work well), gold and silver spoons, spinners, crankbaits, and jerkbaits.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Montana?

Woolly Buggers in brown, black, olive (sizes #6-#2) with flash, Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white, beadhead nymphs in natural colors (#10-#6), Muddler Minnows, and black stonefly nymphs.

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

Best time is June and July for peak success, though they bite year-round and are particularly active during hot weather.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Montana?

Present baits on or near the bottom since drum are bottom feeders. Fight them with patience as they're powerful but lack the stamina of carp, making for exciting but manageable battles on fly gear.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Opportunistic bottom feeders with a varied diet including aquatic invertebrates, snails, clams, small fish like shad, crayfish, mayfly and caddisfly larvae, and zebra mussels.

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