Suckers are a very common fish found throughout North America.  There are over 60 species of suckers identified in the United States.  Since it is impossible to   cover  all species of suckers here, the focus will be on the most famous sucker - The "White Sucker".  In fact it is so well known by bowfishermen and others that it is also called the  "Common   Sucker".    I know that fans of the Red Horse Sucker group may be disappointed but we suggest looking into local sources for information. Description The white sucker has the following characteristics: A torpedo-shaped fish distinguished by   its  sucker-like mouth, which is located on the underside of its blunt, rounded snout; its mouth has thick lips covered with little fleshy bumps.  Its color varies from grey to coppery brown to almost black on  the   back and upper sides, becoming lighter on the lower sides to white on the belly( Where name comes from) Biology  During spawning, the darkness on the back intensifies and the body becomes more   golden in color. It has relatively large scales and one dorsal fin.  They can grow to over  25 inches and weigh more than 7 pounds.  The white sucker can adapt to a wide range   of environmental conditions but generally lives in the warm, shallow waters of  lakes and quiet rivers. They prefer summer temperatures of 75 degrees. In streams they are most   abundant in pool areas with ample underwater debris, streamside  vegetation, and water depth to provide cover.  In lakes, they are usually found in the upper  m 20-30 feet of   water, moving to shallows to feed. They browse the bottom,  sucking in aquatic insects, small clams, and snails, and then spitting out the inedible sand and gravel. They feed   mostly at dawn and dusk and are active year round.   White suckers spawn in the spring (May and June), migrating upstream to spawning areas (small streams and tributaries) when water temperatures are 50 - 65 degrees .  S ome spawning occurs in   daytime, most takes place at sunrise and sunset. One  female spawns with several males. Females usually produce 20,000-50,000 eggs, but can produce up to 139,000   eggs. Suckers do not build a nest, but scatter their eggs,  which stick to the bottom or drift downstream and attach elsewhere   Distribution  The white sucker is a North American species found in freshwater lakes and streams from Labrador south to Georgia, west to Colorado and north through Alberta and    British Columbia to the MacKenzie River delta. In Canada, it is absent from Newfoundland, eastern Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Southwestern British Columbia, and much of the far north. Bowfishing Facts Suckers are most often spotted by bowfishermen looking for Carp.  They make    difficult targets and can be an exciting challenge.  They live in habitat similar to the carp and feed in a relatively close manner.  Suckers are not as wary as Carp but their    smaller size makes up for this.  When targeting Suckers use the same gear as for Carp.  Often suckers are found near rocks so take care of your equipment.  Suckers should    not be over looked or passed up when an opportunity presents itself! [Home Page] [Links] [Species] [Tourneys]  [Boat Rigs] [Photos] [Equipment] [Contact Us] [The Store]