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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are present in New Mexico waters but are considered non-native transplants. According to USGS data, they were first documented in New Mexico in 2009 at Elephant Butte Reservoir on the Rio Grande system.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, silvery fish have a distinctive humpback appearance and lateral line extending into their rounded tail.
  • They typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can reach over 50 pounds, with the world record at 54 pounds from Tennessee.
  • They have downturned mouths.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer medium to large rivers and lakes up to 40-60 foot depths, tolerating both clear and turbid conditions while favoring sand and gravel bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Target Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico's largest lake.
  • They are found on the Rio Grande system.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep river channels, edges of rock outcroppings, areas with strong current, and structure where they feed on crayfish and baitfish.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Bottom fishing with nightcrawlers is highly effective, along with bobber fishing using nightcrawlers, shad, crickets, or shiners. Productive lures include jerkbaits, gold or silver spoons, leadhead jigs, and walleye-style jigs.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in New Mexico?

Effective patterns include Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white combinations, Woolly Buggers in black or olive, Muddler Minnows in natural deer hair, and black stonefly nymphs retrieved slowly along creek features and through eddies.

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

The best fishing for Freshwater Dr.um in New Mexico occurs during summer months (June-July) when they provide outstanding angling opportunities, and again in fall when they feed aggressively before winter.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in New Mexico?

Bottom fishing is highly effective, along with bobber fishing. Live bait presentations work best in winter.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Freshwater drum are bottom-feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shells. Their diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates including crayfish, aquatic insect larvae (especially mayflies and caddisflies), mussels, and small fish like gizzard shad.

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