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Northern Hogsucker

Northern Hogsucker

The Northern Hogsucker is a native Virginia freshwater fish in the sucker family (Catostomidae) that serves as an indicator of good water quality since they cannot tolerate siltation or pollution.

Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can grow up to 22 inches and 4 pounds, though typically ranges 203-381mm in length.
  • They have a distinctive mottled brownish appearance with dark bars or saddles across their backs, providing excellent camouflage against gravel bottoms.
  • Their large, rectangular head features a concave area between the eyes and prominent papillose lips covered in small bumps used for feeding.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabiting clear, fast-flowing streams and small to medium rivers with gravel, rock, and cobble substrates.
  • Can also be found in some reservoirs near tributary mouths.

Key Locations

  • In Virginia, they're found throughout most watersheds except the Delaware River drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in clear, fast-flowing streams with rocky or gravel bottoms, focusing on riffle areas and adjacent pools.
  • They prefer riffle areas and adjacent shallow gravel zones.
  • Look for them resting on the bottom in shallow water where their camouflage makes them difficult to spot - they often blend perfectly with surrounding gravel and rocks.

Northern Hogsucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait, particularly red worms or nightcrawlers on small hooks. Small soft plastic lures like Mini Trout Magnet can work when perfectly placed, though artificials are much less effective than live bait.

What flies work for Northern Hogsucker in Virginia?

Fly patterns such as hare's ear nymphs can work when perfectly placed, though artificials are much less effective than live bait.

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

Avoid targeting them during spawning season (May when water temperatures reach 59°F) to protect breeding populations.

How do you catch Northern Hogsucker in Virginia?

Cast upstream and either drift bait naturally with the current or anchor it lightly on bottom with weight, positioning bait directly in front of or under the fish. Focus on areas with mixed substrate where they can forage naturally.

What do Northern Hogsucker eat?

Northern Hogsuckers are bottom-feeders that consume aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans (including small crayfish and scuds), mollusks (snails and small mussels), algae, and detritus.

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