USA member Jake Johnson of the Law Enforcement Labor Services union shows off a broad-shouldered redhorse sucker taken from the St. Croix River along the Minnesota and Wisconsin border.
By Dan Johnson & PJ Delhomme
Spring brings an abundance of fishing options virtually coast to coast. Bass, panfish and walleyes are popular targets, but overlooked species are also on the table. Suckers, for example, swim under the radar of the masses, yet offer fast action and a hard fight for those who practice the following spring sucker fishing tips. As a welcome bonus for anyone interested in catching fish to eat, they’re also extremely tasty table fare.
“Suckers don’t get any limelight and are sometimes even looked down upon, but these clean, native fish put up a doggone good fight and taste great,” says legendary fishing guide, Plano Synergy pro and staunch Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) supporter Brian “Bro” Brosdahl.
Although Brosdahl is best known for catching trophy bluegills and walleyes, he has long been a fan of chasing suckers, particularly during the spring spawning run. “Suckers run upstream to spawning areas, gathering in classic areas of reduced current along the way,” he says. “Find a holding area and fast fishing is the rule.”
A Bit About Suckers
The sucker family (Catostomidae) includes more than 70 freshwater species found in a variety of habitats across North America. Besides offering anglers fishing opportunities, many of these species—such as the white sucker—are critical components of the food chain, providing important forage for predators such as walleyes, northern pike and largemouth bass.
The white sucker is an important forage species in many North American fisheries.
Unfortunately, suckers are under siege in some fisheries. A variety of threats including habitat degradation, environmental contamination, migration barriers and impacts from non-native species threaten sucker populations in different regions. Public misconceptions that suckers tolerate poor water quality and are of no value to anglers or the ecosystem don’t help matters, either. Conservation efforts through habitat protection and public education are vital for protecting threatened sucker populations.
Thankfully, many healthy lake and river systems are still flush with suckers.
When and Where to Fish for Suckers
The best time for sucker fishing is in early spring when water temperatures reach about 43°F (6°C). Brosdahl recommends focusing on “holding areas” where suckers gather during upstream spawning migrations. Other prime locations include:
- Tributaries entering main rivers above constricted areas like bridges
- Downstream side of sandbars below feeder streams
- Slack water created by points and other obstructions
- Intersections of fast and slow currents
Sucker Fishing Tackle and Techniques
Suckers don’t require any special tackle or other gear. Some basics are:
- Rod/Reel Combo: 6 to 6.5-foot medium or medium-light spinning outfit
- Line: 12-pound super braid mainline with lighter fluorocarbon leader
- Hooks: Size 4 baitkeeper, circle, or Aberdeen hooks.
- Weights: Assorted split-shot and slip sinkers up to 2 ounces
- Bait: Nightcrawlers or clam strips (where legal)
Bro’s Tips and Tricks
Brosdahl’s sucker strategies are straightforward. “One of my favorite locations is where a relatively clean-flowing tributary stream enters the main river above a necked-down area like a bridge,” he says. “The combination of reduced current and a clean inflow collects spring suckers by the school.” Other strike zones include the downstream side of a sandbar below a feeder stream, and slack water created by points and other obstructions. Sometimes the intersection of slick and slack water is key, but it pays to experiment.
Suckers require no special fishing tackle. A 6- to 6½-foot, medium or medium-light spinning outfit spooled with 6 or 8-pount monofilament line is perfect for many situations. Brosdahl favors 12-pound suberbraid mainline, tipped with a short fluorocarbon leader of slightly lighter test than the braid. For efficiency, mobility and ease of packing into remote fishing areas, he stocks a Plano Edge tacklebox with an assortment of small baitkeeper, circle and Aberdeen hooks. Bass Pro Shops’ Bronze Baitholder Hooks are a great example. “Size 4 hooks are often the best choice, but bring a few different sizes so you can match the bait, conditions and mood of the fish,” he notes.
“Same with sinkers,” he continues. “Pack a variety of small split-shot and slip sinkers, with a few pyramid and flat sinkers up to 2 ounces for holding bottom in strong current. Keeping the rig in place, rather than having it roll around or bounce downstream, is key to allowing suckers to home in on it.”
Brosdahl typically uses nightcrawlers for bait, but says where available (and legal), clam strips can be top producers. “Thread bait on the hook so the barb is covered, or suckers will feel it when taking the bait,” he advises.
Presentation is as simple as it gets. Cast out, let it hit bottom, and either hold the rod or place it in a rod-holder or Y-stick while waiting for a bite. “Suckers take the bait in a ‘tap-tap-tap’ manner, so you’ll feel the bite or see the rodtip dance,” Brosdahl explains. “When it happens, resist the urge to make an eye-crossing hookset. Reel down until you feel the weight of the fish, and make a firm but controlled sweep-set. With a circle hook, reeling is enough to set the hook.”
Landing suckers can be as basic as sliding them up on the bank. When practicing catch-and-release, however, Brosdahl recommends a fish-friendly landing net like those in Frabill’s Conservation Series.
USA member Josh Johnson of SMART Local 209 battles a spring-run redhorse.
Preparing Sucker Fish for the Table
Contrary to their “trash fish” reputation, suckers from clean waters are excellent eating. They can be prepared in different ways, including smoking or pickling, deep frying, or turning into fish patties.
To be sure, suckers are undeniably bony. “Score through small bones that run through the fillets, so portions can be easily eaten when deep-fried,” Stange advises.
“Smoked sucker is a delicacy, and a favorite spring snack in many rural towns,” Brosdahl adds. “The meat peels easily off the bones and is delicious.”
“Suckers make the sweetest, most wonderful fish patties I’ve ever tasted, patties alone worth the price of a relaxing afternoon on a sunny riverbank,” Stange says. CLICK HERE for more of Stange’s spring sucker fishing tips.
