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White Sucker

White Sucker

White Sucker are widely distributed throughout Vermont lakes and rivers, representing a valuable native species despite being often dismissed as 'trash fish.'

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersonii

Physical Characteristics:
  • These elongated, cylindrical fish have large heads with distinctive 'sucker' shaped mouths featuring fleshy lips on the underside for bottom feeding.
  • They can live up to 17 years and reach lengths up to 25 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit diverse Vermont waters from warm shallow ponds to deep large lakes, small cold rivers to large low-gradient rivers, staying close to bottom substrates ranging from silt and mud to cobble and gravel.

Key Locations

  • Mill Brook in Chittenden County has documented catches.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them near bottom structures, in deep pools of streams, shallow waters during evening hours, and areas with moderate current.
  • They're often visible in shallow water with tails moving in current.
  • Productive spots include inlets where current empties into streams, areas near waterfalls, dams, and overflows.

White Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Sucker in Vermont?

Garden worms, nightcrawlers, and 'pack bait' (softened grains formed into dough).

What flies work for White Sucker in Vermont?

Small Prince Nymphs (size 14), Pheasant Tail nymphs, small Wooly Buggers, traditional bucktails, Thundercreek-style flies, and sparse smelt imitations tied with bucktail and marabou. Classic streamers work particularly well in low, clear water conditions.

When is the best time to fish for White Sucker in Vermont?

Year-round fishing available. Spring offers excellent opportunities as they're more active before spawning (but avoid the April-June spawning period itself).

How do you catch White Sucker in Vermont?

White Suckers can be targeted year-round in Vermont. Spring offers excellent opportunities as they're more active before spawning (but avoid the April-June spawning period itself). Fish are more active at night when they move into shallower water, making evening fishing particularly effective.

What do White Sucker eat?

Young suckers feed on plankton and small invertebrates with terminal mouths, but as they grow beyond an inch, their mouths move to subterminal positions and they become bottom feeders. Adult diet includes mollusks, aquatic insect larvae (mostly midges), algae, crustaceans, and decayed organic materials.

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