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Bluehead Sucker

Bluehead Sucker

The Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus) is a native Utah fish species that has recently been reclassified through genetic studies.

What was historically considered a single species is now recognized as two distinct species: the true Bluehead Sucker found in the Colorado River drainage, and the Green Sucker found in Utah's Bonneville Basin populations including the Weber, Bear, and Ogden rivers.

Scientific Name: Catostomus discobolus

Also known as Green Sucker

Physical Characteristics:
  • Both species look nearly identical with dusky blue-gray heads, streamlined bodies, and distinctive scaling patterns where scales near the tail are much larger than those near the head.
  • Adults can reach 16-18 inches in length and live up to 30 years.
  • These bottom-dwelling fish have specialized mouths with cartilage scraping edges.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Utah, Bluehead/Green Suckers are found in four main drainages: the Colorado River system (Green, Colorado, and San Juan rivers), the Weber River, Bear River, and associated tributaries.
  • They occupy diverse habitats from cold, clear mountain streams to warm, turbid rivers, preferring swift rocky waters and riffles.

Key Locations

  • Colorado River system (Green, Colorado, and San Juan rivers), the Weber River, Bear River, and associated tributaries.
  • In the Weber River system, focus on areas from Ogden downstream to Echo Reservoir where populations have been recently supplemented through stocking efforts.

Specific Spots

  • Target swift-water rocky areas, riffles, and runs where they feed on algae.
  • Since these are bottom-feeders that stay close to the substrate.

Bluehead Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Bluehead Sucker in Utah?

Weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown colors.

When is the best time to fish for Bluehead Sucker in Utah?

Avoid fishing during spawning season (May through July) when fish congregate in shallow spawning areas.

How do you catch Bluehead Sucker in Utah?

Sight-fishing using weighted streamers. Cast precisely a few inches in front of visible fish near the bottom, as these suckers rarely chase moving lures but will occasionally take flies presented directly in their feeding path.

What do Bluehead Sucker eat?

Designed to feed primarily on algae scraped from rocks, along with aquatic insects and organic detritus.

Where do Bluehead Sucker live in Utah?

In Utah, Bluehead/Green Suckers are found in four main drainages: the Colorado River system (Green, Colorado, and San Juan rivers), the Weber River, Bear River, and associated tributaries. They occupy diverse habitats from cold, clear mountain streams to warm, turbid rivers, preferring swift rocky waters and riffles.

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