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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) are the only North American member of the drum family to live exclusively in freshwater.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, silvery fish have a distinctive humpback appearance and lateral line extending into their rounded tail.
  • Adults typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can exceed 36 pounds, with the world record being 54.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit medium to large rivers and lakes up to 40-60 foot depths, preferring clean sand and gravel substrates but tolerating both clear and turbid conditions.

Key Locations

  • In Wisconsin, they're native to the lower Wisconsin River near and below the Portage area, with historical records showing two specimens were collected from Moen's Lake chain in Oneida County in 1947 from stocking operations.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on water depths of 40-60 feet, particularly around structure and where baitfish are present.
  • During spring, look for slow-moving pools near fast water with sandy or gravel beds.
  • Summer fishing requires deeper presentations in river channels or near deep rock outcroppings.
  • Fall fishing is productive in slow-moving pools, backwaters, and eddies near fast-moving channels.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits are most effective, including nightcrawlers, shad, crickets, shiners, minnows, freshwater shrimp, and crayfish. For artificial lures, try jerk baits, gold or silver spoons (especially dimpled gold or solid silver), lead head jigs, and walleye jigs.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Wisconsin?

Effective patterns include olive, tan, or brown Woolly Buggers (#6-#2) with flash, beadhead nymphs (#10-#6), Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white or olive/white, Muddler Minnows, and black stonefly nymphs.

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

Freshwater Dr.um fishing peaks during June and July in Wisconsin. During spring, look for slow-moving pools near fast water with sandy or gravel beds. Summer fishing requires deeper presentations in river channels or near deep rock outcroppings.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Wisconsin?

Bottom fishing techniques using nightcrawlers bounced along the bottom or fished under bobbers. Use fish finders to locate proper depths. For fly fishing, present flies along the bottom with slow, erratic retrieves, and fish throughout the night when they're most actively feeding.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Freshwater Dr.um are opportunistic bottom feeders with heavy pharyngeal teeth for crushing mollusks. Adults primarily eat immature insects, crayfish, minnows, amphipods, and mollusks, while juveniles feed on zooplankton.

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