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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker are highly adaptable native fish found throughout Montana's eastern drainage and northern watershed, particularly abundant in the many reservoirs of eastern Montana.

They're quite versatile, inhabiting virtually all water types - muddy, clear, warm, cold, running and standing water - though they avoid rapid current and reach maximum abundance in man-made impoundments.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • These bottom feeders have a distinctive downturned, sucker-like mouth with fleshy lips positioned on the underside of their heads for vacuuming food from substrates.
  • Adults typically range 12-20 inches and can weigh up to 5 pounds in Montana waters, with dusky olive brown to nearly black coloration above, shading to cream or white below.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Montana's eastern drainage and northern watershed, particularly abundant in the many reservoirs of eastern Montana.
  • They inhabit virtually all water types - muddy, clear, warm, cold, running and standing water - though they avoid rapid current and reach maximum abundance in man-made impoundments.

Key Locations

  • Giant Springs Pond in Great Falls and various reservoirs throughout eastern Montana.

Specific Spots

  • Target 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 from late fall through winter.
  • During spawning, they move upstream into tributary streams and become quite active in shallow riffle areas where they deposit e.g.gs over gravel or rocky shoals.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small pieces of garden worms or nightcrawlers are the top bait choice. For larger specimens, use whole worms.

What flies work for White Sucker in Montana?

Patterns that sink quickly and resemble their natural food - scuds, nymphs, and worm patterns work well. Small flies in clear water, larger presentations when it's muddy.

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

Spring is the prime season, particularly during their spawning runs from April through June when they're most active and accessible in tributary streams.

How do you catch White Sucker in Montana?

Fish bait on the bottom where suckers can easily find them. Cast well upstream so flies reach bottom before reaching the fish. During spawning season, listen for commotion on the water indicating active fish.

What do White Sucker eat?

They're omnivorous feeders with a diet consisting of bottom organisms like aquatic invertebrates, diatoms, algae, detritus, insects, small fish, fish e.g.gs, mollusks, and zooplankton.

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