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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive freshwater sucker native throughout Ohio waters, belonging to the Catostomidae family.

This species plays a crucial ecological role, aerating sediments and linking benthic and pelagic food webs through their feeding behavior.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • This species has a very recognizable pig-like appearance with a large, flattened bony head, steep concave forehead, and protruding fleshy lips covered in small bumps with a distinctive black line around them.
  • The streamlined head and body deflect water upward, pushing their body down to sit effortlessly on stream bottoms in fast-flowing riffles.
  • They feature a mottled reddish-brown to golden-brown coloration with four to six dark saddle-shaped bands across their backs, providing excellent camouflage against rocky substrates.
  • Adults typically reach 10-15 inches and weigh 1 pound or less, though specimens can reach up to 24 inches and 4 pounds, with the largest usually being females.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Ohio, they're found in medium-sized creeks, small to large rivers, and occasionally reservoirs, thriving in waters with high dissolved oxygen and minimal sedimentation.

Key Locations

  • Productive waters include Ohio's major river systems like the Maumee, Scioto, and Hocking rivers, as well as their tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky riffles and runs in clear streams with gravel or rocky bottoms, particularly areas around upturned stones where they typically feed.
  • Fish in water depths of 1-4 feet with moderate to fast current.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Red worms, nightcrawlers, or earthworms on small hooks are the top producers. Small soft plastics like Mini Trout Magnets, tiny curly tail grubs (1-inch in chartreuse), and small spinners (1/8 oz Mepps Aglia Original in silver or Worden's Original Rooster Tail in midnight) have produced fish.

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

The best fishing occurs during daylight hours in late spring through early fall when water levels are stable and visibility is good. Avoid fishing during their April-May spawning period when they're focused on reproduction rather than feeding.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Ohio?

Live bait is by far the most effective method. The key technique is to position bait directly in front of or even under the fish, either by drifting naturally with the current or anchoring lightly on the bottom with minimal weight.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, algae, and detritus. They feed by turning over stones and scraping material off rocks with their sucker mouths.

Where do Northern Hogsucker live in Ohio?

In Ohio, they're found in medium-sized creeks, small to large rivers, and occasionally reservoirs, thriving in waters with high dissolved oxygen and minimal sedimentation.

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