Species guide

How to catch Northern hog sucker

Hypentelium nigricans

#0723

Stylized 2D illustration of Northern hog sucker
#0723FreshwaterGame FishFreshwaterNorth America

The Northern hog sucker is a freshwater fish known for its distinctive elongated body and sucker-like mouth. It thrives in clear, rocky streams and small rivers. This species is valued by anglers as a game fish for its spirited fight.

Where they live

Found in rocky riffles, runs, and pools of clear creeks and small rivers across North America. Occasionally inhabits larger rivers and impoundments.

Typical size

Up to about 61 cm

What they eat

  • aquatic insects
  • crustaceans
  • mollusks
  • fish eggs
  • aquatic plants

Best baits

  • worms
  • insect larvae
  • small crustaceans

Best lures

  • small jigs
  • soft plastic grubs
  • insect imitating lures

How to fish for them

  • bottom fishing
  • fly fishing with nymph patterns
  • light tackle casting

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