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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a distinctive freshwater fish found throughout Tennessee's river drainages, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems.

They play an important ecological role by stirring up substrate and making food available to other species like shiners and smallmouth bass that position themselves downstream from feeding hogsuckers.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their massive, square-shaped head with large lips covered in small bumps (papillae) and a unique black line around their lips not found in other species.
  • They have a mottled, golden-brown body with several saddle-shaped dark patches along the back that provides natural camouflage against rocky substrates.
  • In Tennessee, Northern Hogsuckers typically reach 8-13 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds, though specimens can grow larger in certain waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Tennessee's river drainages, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems.
  • They inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel, rock, and cobble substrates, preferring riffle areas in both warmwater creeks and coldwater streams.
  • Found in waters ranging from tiny mountain creeks to larger rivers, and occasionally in reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • French Broad River in Sevier County, various Tennessee River tributaries, French Broad River.

Specific Spots

  • Target riffle areas with gravel and cobble substrates where hogsuckers actively feed.
  • Clear, rocky streams with moderate to swift currents.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait, particularly red worms, nightcrawlers, or earthworms on small hooks. For artificial lures, small soft plastics like Mini Trout Magnets or tiny Rooster Tail spinners (1/8 oz in midnight or silver) can work, though success is limited. They show little interest in corn or other common baits.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Tennessee?

Small nymph patterns like hare's ear nymphs presented dead-drift along the bottom.

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

Fall through early winter can be productive. Avoid the March-May spawning period.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Tennessee?

Present bait directly on the bottom in riffle areas, either by drifting naturally with the current or anchoring lightly with weight. Cast upstream and allow the bait to get right in front of or under the fish. For fly fishing, use small nymph patterns presented dead-drift along the bottom.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Bottom feeders with a specialized diet consisting primarily of aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, diatoms, and bits of vegetation. They feed by turning over stones and scraping material off rocks with their protrusible mouth, creating disturbances that attract other fish species downstream.

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