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Spotted Sucker

Spotted Sucker

The Spotted Sucker is a native fish species found throughout Tennessee's river systems, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages.

Scientific Name: Minytrema melanops

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by 8-12 parallel rows of dark spots along the sides of their body (one spot per scale), they average 12-18 inches in length but can reach up to 19 inches.
  • These medium-sized suckers have a bronze to dark olive-green back with silver to bronze sides and a white belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Tennessee's river systems, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee's major reservoirs including Chickamauga, Kentucky, Barkley, and other TVA impoundments.
  • The deeper sections of Tennessee's major river systems and reservoir areas with appropriate habitat.

Specific Spots

  • Deep pools of small to medium rivers over clay, sand, or gravel substrates.
  • Focus on deep pools of creeks to medium rivers over sand or gravel substrates, especially areas with clean, clear water and firm bottoms.

Spotted Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Sucker in Tennessee?

Nightcrawlers are the top choice - break them into halves or thirds to make them last longer. Other effective baits include red worms, leeches, small crayfish, and minnows.

What flies work for Spotted Sucker in Tennessee?

Wet flies in nymph and scud patterns, along with flies that imitate worms and fish e.g.gs. Successful fly anglers have used sucker spawn e.g.g patterns, particularly favoring natural chartreuse colors.

When is the best time to fish for Spotted Sucker in Tennessee?

Spring through early fall provides the most consistent action, coinciding with their peak feeding activity and before they move to spawning areas in late winter.

How do you catch Spotted Sucker in Tennessee?

Keep baits within a couple feet of the substrate and maintain contact with the bottom. Concentrate efforts during stable weather patterns when water clarity is good, as turbid conditions can reduce success rates.

What do Spotted Sucker eat?

Their diet consists primarily of organic fragments, copepods, cladocerans, chironomids (midge larvae), diatoms, and other benthic invertebrates.

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