Skip to main content

Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive native freshwater fish found throughout New York's watersheds, from the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay drainages to Atlantic slope rivers.

This bottom-dwelling species serves as important ecosystem engineers, creating feeding opportunities for other species and indicating good water quality as they're intolerant of pollution and sedimentation.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by its massive, almost box-shaped head, large fleshy lips covered in small bumps, and distinctive black line around the mouth not found in any other species.
  • They display dark olive to bronze coloration with four dark saddle-shaped patches across the back and a pale belly, with large scales that can appear speckled.
  • In New York waters, Northern Hogsuckers typically reach 8-14 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds, though specimens up to 24 inches have been recorded.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers, preferring riffle areas with gravel and cobble substrates, though they can also be found in coldwater streams, large rivers, and occasionally reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Throughout New York's watersheds, from the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay drainages to Atlantic slope rivers, medium-sized creeks and small rivers throughout New York's watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Target riffle areas in clear, fast-flowing streams with gravel bottoms, particularly areas where they're actively foraging and turning over stones.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Hogsucker in New York?

Live bait, particularly red worms or nightcrawlers on small hooks. Small soft plastics like Mini Trout Magnets.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in New York?

Small flies such as Hare's Ear nymphs, weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, with conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown colors.

When is the best time to fish for Northern Hogsucker in New York?

Avoid fishing during their spawning period in May when water temperatures reach 59°F.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in New York?

Cast upstream and either drift bait naturally with the current or anchor it lightly on the bottom near where you've spotted feeding fish. Watch for their mouth extending as they vacuum up your bait, then set the hook immediately as they'll quickly spit out anything that doesn't feel natural.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of benthic organisms including insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, and vegetation, which they obtain by turning over small stones and scraping materials off rocks with their protrusible mouths.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Northern Hogsucker.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Northern Hogsucker water

    Pick Northern Hogsucker and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Northern Hogsucker

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Northern Hogsucker are.

Open the map, filter by Northern Hogsucker, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

New York licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore New York waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.