Aplodinotus grunniens

How to identify a Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are found in lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock). Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock)

Where to catch Freshwater Drum

• Mississippi River (IA/MO/WI)
• Lake Erie
• Ohio River — all species we list for this fishery

Freshwater Drum by state

State season calendars that list Freshwater Drum — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Arkansas — seasons, best months and licence info
• Illinois — seasons, best months and licence info
• Indiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Iowa — seasons, best months and licence info
• Kentucky — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Minnesota — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• Missouri — seasons, best months and licence info
• Ohio — seasons, best months and licence info
• Pennsylvania — seasons, best months and licence info
• Tennessee — seasons, best months and licence info

Plus 2 more — all 50 state calendars.

Baits and lures

Jigs · spinners · soft plastics · live bait

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Freshwater Drum:

• Black Drum — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Corb (Shi Drum) — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Giant Gourami — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Giant Mekong Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Gizzard Shad — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Golden Dorado — identification & profile (Freshwater)