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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker are a native freshwater species found throughout New Jersey's streams, rivers, and lakes. They're notably tolerant of various water conditions and can survive in waters with lower oxygen levels and moderate pollution.

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • These elongated, cylindrical fish have a distinctive downward-facing sucker mouth with thick, fleshy lips used for bottom feeding.
  • They typically grow to an average of 9.5 inches but can reach up to 20 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds in New Jersey waters.
  • White suckers have olive brown to black coloration on their backs with lighter bellies, and breeding males develop gold coloration with red or dark stripes along their sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout New Jersey's streams, rivers, and lakes.
  • They're found in New Jersey's coolwater stream communities alongside species like blacknose dace, creek chub, and brown trout, particularly in moderate to high elevation streams with intermediate temperatures.
  • They inhabit a wide variety of water bodies from small creeks to large rivers like the Delaware River, and can be found in lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • The Delaware River offers excellent opportunities, along with streams throughout the state's coolwater regions.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with current breaks including eddies, deep pools, slack water behind logjams, and riffles below dams or waterfalls.
  • They move into shallower water at night and congregate in shallow rocky areas with gravel substrate for reproduction.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Garden worms and nightcrawlers are the most effective baits - use smaller pieces for better hook-up rates.

What flies work for White Sucker in New Jersey?

Effective fly patterns include nymphs, scuds, worm imitations, small wooly buggers, and any patterns that resemble benthic invertebrates.

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

Most productive during spring spawning season from April through early May. Focus fishing efforts during cooler months and avoid areas during spawning periods in April-May when fish should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch White Sucker in New Jersey?

Fish baits on the bottom where suckers naturally feed. For fly fishing, this is primarily sight-fishing - locate schools of fish and cast well upstream to allow flies to reach bottom before reaching the fish. Be patient and persistent as it may take multiple presentations.

What do White Sucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates, including chironomid larvae, mayflies, mollusks, aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and algae.

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