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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

The Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is the only North American member of the drum family that lives entirely in freshwater, making it a unique species in Pennsylvania waters.

In Pennsylvania, freshwater drum are considered non-indigenous and have been documented in six hydrologic units: Lake Erie, the Lower Delaware River basin (including the Schuylkill River), Middle Delaware-Musconetcong, Crosswicks-Neshaminy, and the Youghiogheny River system.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish distinguished by their distinctive humpback appearance, long dorsal fins divided into two parts, and a lateral line that extends all the way to their rounded tail.
  • Average 10-14 inches in length.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Typically inhabit the bottom of medium to large rivers and lakes at depths of 40-60 feet.
  • Pennsylvania populations are found in the Susquehanna River system where they coexist with bass, walleye, and catfish.

Key Locations

  • Key Pennsylvania locations include the Susquehanna River system, Lake Erie tributaries, Lake Erie, the Lower Delaware River basin (including the Schuylkill River), Middle Delaware-Musconetcong, Crosswicks-Neshaminy, and the Youghiogheny River system.

Specific Spots

  • In spring focus on slow-moving pools adjacent to faster water and sandy/gravel beds where they follow baitfish.
  • In summer, target deeper areas of rivers and lakes, dropping baits into deep river channels or near deep rock outcroppings.
  • In fall, focus on slow-moving pools, backwater areas, eddies, and still water near fast-moving channels.
  • Look for structure, find baitfish schools, and fish along strong currents for larger specimens.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is highly effective year-round, particularly nightcrawlers fished on the bottom, minnows, shiners, crawdads, freshwater shrimp, and crickets. For artificial lures, try jerkbaits, gold or silver spoons (especially gold dimpled or solid silver), leadhead jigs, crankbaits, and spinners.

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

Summer months (June-July provide the best success), though they can be caught year-round with seasonal adjustments. In spring spawning season (May-June), avoid targeting them during their spawning period and instead focus on post-spawn periods. In summer, target deeper areas.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Pennsylvania?

Bottom-bouncing techniques, fishing under bobbers, bottom fishing is the most effective method. Use fish finders to locate proper depths.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Opportunistic bottom feeders with heavy pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shells, feeding primarily on immature insects, crayfish, minnows, amphipods, mollusks (including zebra mussels), and small fish like shad. Juveniles focus on zooplankton and aquatic insect larvae.

Where do Freshwater Drum live in Pennsylvania?

Typically inhabit the bottom of medium to large rivers and lakes at depths of 40-60 feet. Pennsylvania populations are found in the Susquehanna River system where they coexist with bass, walleye, and catfish.

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