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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum are Nebraska's only native member of the drum family and one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in North America. Found nearly statewide in Nebraska but rarer in the Panhandle and Sandhills.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery to dusky-gray fish that can exhibit bronze or purple reflections and grow quite large.
  • Adult freshwater drum in Nebraska typically measure 12-20 inches.
  • These deep-bodied fish are distinguished by their highly arched back, long dorsal fin with a deep notch, blunt snout, down-turned mouth, and the extension of their lateral line onto the rounded tail.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit various rivers, lakes, sandpits, ponds, and reservoirs.
  • Populations in the Missouri River documented since the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River/Gavins Point Dam tailwaters, Loup River diversions, Platte River diversions, Lake North near Columbus, Branched Oak Lake near Raymond, Salt Creek/Catfish Run WMA near Ashland, and Standing Bear Lake in Omaha.

Specific Spots

  • Bottom-feeders that inhabit deeper pools, channel swings, and backwaters of rivers and water bodies with sluggish currents.
  • Target hard-bottom areas with sand and gravel substrates, deeper river channels, submerged islands, sunken trees, and eddies.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For bait fishing: crayfish, nightcrawlers, shrimp, and small minnows. Effective lures include swim baits, Rat-L-Trap lures, small-hook jigs, blade baits, spinners, spoons (especially gold or silver), crankbaits, and jerkbaits.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Nebraska?

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

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

Summer months when they actively take baits and lures, particularly during hot and humid late summer and early fall periods. Fish deeper areas during summer and winter, and focus on shallower areas during spring and fall.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Nebraska?

Bait fishing on or near the bottom. Use 1/2-ounce jigs or blade baits, hopping them off the bottom with short, deliberate movements. For fly fishing, retrieve flies slowly along bottom structure.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Diet consists of crayfish, snails, clams, mussels, aquatic insects, earthworms, small fish like minnows, and notably zebra mussels.

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