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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) in Vermont are ranked S4 G5, indicating they are common to uncommon but apparently secure.

They're the only member of the drum family in North America living entirely in freshwater, found in the Lake Champlain drainage system where they reach their northeastern range limits.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, silvery fish have distinctive features including a notched dorsal fin, lateral line extending into their rounded tail, and can reach impressive sizes - the world record is 54.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in the Lake Champlain drainage system where they reach their northeastern range limits.
  • Vermont drum inhabit the bottom of medium to large lakes and rivers up to 40-60 foot depths, preferring clear water but tolerating turbid conditions.

Key Locations

  • Key Vermont locations include Lake Champlain around Button Bay State Park and Salmon Hole on the Winooski River where they're found alongside other species.

Specific Spots

  • Fish deeper areas of Lake Champlain and its tributaries, focusing on 5-15 foot depths along rocky reefs, steep drop-offs, current seams, and areas where fast water meets slower water.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Night crawlers are extremely effective fished on or near bottom. Small jigs with crayfish imitations, small minnows, shiners, crickets, and freshwater shrimp are productive. Artificial lures include small spoons (gold dimpled or silver), crankbaits, spinners, jerk baits, and tube jigs.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Vermont?

Productive patterns include Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, olive/white, or brown/white, size #6-#2 Woolly Buggers in black or olive with pearlescent or fluorescent red flash, Muddler Minnows in natural deer hair, and black beadhead stonefly nymphs in sizes #10-#6.

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

Peak activity occurs in June and July. In spring and fall, target slower pools near faster water and rocky outcroppings. Summer requires deeper water fishing, while winter demands fishing the deepest available water up to 60 feet where temperatures remain constant.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Vermont?

Present baits by casting upstream and letting current carry offerings downstream, or work lures with upward flips to mimic crayfish movement.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

They're opportunistic feeders with underslung mouths perfectly adapted for bottom feeding. Adults primarily consume benthic invertebrates including crayfish, insect larvae (especially mayflies and caddisflies), mollusks, and importantly zebra mussels - helping control these invasive species.

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