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Blue Sucker

Blue Sucker

Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) is a rare, long-lived freshwater species in North Dakota's sucker family and designated as a Level I Species of Conservation Priority.

Scientific Name: Cycleptus elongatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These streamlined fish average 2-3 kilograms and 76 centimeters in length, with record lengths reaching 102 centimeters.
  • Their color varies from light steel-gray to almost jet black during spring spawning season, particularly males who become dark blue-black during breeding.
  • They have elongated, slightly compressed bodies with inferior mouths, small slender heads tapering to fleshy snouts, and distinctive long falcate dorsal fins with 24-35 rays.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In North Dakota, they inhabit the Missouri River system, occurring at highest frequency in freeflowing stretches above Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River system, freeflowing stretches above Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe, confluence areas of larger tributaries like the Knife and Cannonball rivers, Hugo Dam and Denison Dam tailwaters.

Specific Spots

  • Deep areas with swift current over sand or gravel bottoms, particularly around riffles, narrow chutes, areas near dam structures, tailwater areas below dams, thalweg (deepest channel) in heavy current.

Blue Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Blue Sucker in North Dakota?

Best fishing would likely occur outside spawning season (avoid March through June).

How do you catch Blue Sucker in North Dakota?

Use bottom-fishing techniques with natural baits presented on or near the bottom. They inhabit swift current areas, particularly the thalweg (deepest channel) in heavy current, making them difficult to sample with traditional fishing methods.

What do Blue Sucker eat?

Blue Suckers are bottom feeders consuming aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, plant materials, and algae.

Where do Blue Sucker live in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, they inhabit the Missouri River system, occurring at highest frequency in freeflowing stretches above Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe.

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