Freshwater Drum

Body Type & Identification: The only member of the drum family (Sciaenidae) found exclusively in freshwater. Deep-bodied, humpbacked profile with a rounded snout and subterminal mouth. Silver to gray with a brassy sheen. Makes loud drumming sounds by vibrating its swim bladder. Also called "Sheephead" in some regions — not related to the saltwater Sheephead.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–78°F. Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the Mississippi drainage and Great Lakes. Most active in summer in large river systems. Often found in the same areas as Walleye and Sauger in large river systems.

Habitat: Large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of the Mississippi drainage from the Great Lakes south to the Gulf of Mexico. Prefers large water bodies with sandy or gravel bottom. Common in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River — the most northerly member of the drum family. An underappreciated sport fish with good fighting ability.

Best Lures: Jigs bounced near the bottom produce consistent strikes. Small crankbaits along bottom structure work well. Swimbaits near sandy bottom are effective. Small blade baits jigged vertically produce strikes.

Best Baits: Freshwater mussels are the top natural bait — their teeth are specially adapted for crushing mollusks. Nightcrawlers are very effective. Fresh crayfish tails produce excellent results. Live small minnows work well. Bottom rigs with natural bait near sandy and gravel bottom in large rivers and lakes are standard.

Top 5 Destinations: Mississippi River, Lake Erie, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnebago WI, Ohio River.