Freshwater Drum are not difficult fish to catch. The most effective methods for catching Freshwater Drum are drift fishing or still fishing using a medium-heavy-power spinning or casting rod and real combo using natural bait including cutbait, crayfish tails, and nightcrawlers.
Region: Midwest, South Habitat: Lake, Pond, River
How to identify Freshwater Drum
The freshwater drum’s forward-facing mouth, blunt snout, and deep body with pronounced humpback cause it to be mistaken as a carp or buffalo. It is easy to tell them apart by looking at the dorsal fins and tails. Freshwater drums have two sets of dorsal fins and a round tail, while carps and buffaloes only have one dorsal fin and a forked tail. The coloring of the freshwater drum is silver with a blue-grey tinge.
Where to catch Freshwater Drum
Freshwater drums are found in the central-eastern part of the U.S. They span as far north as Manitoba, Canada, extending southerly into eastern Mexico and ending at the Usumacinta River in Guatemala. These fish have also been spotted in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Range: Midwest, South
The following are habitats where you can catch Freshwater Drum:
- Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
- Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
- Freshwater Weed Beds
- Gradual Shores
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Inlets and Outlets
- Inside Turns and Coves
- Islands or Sand Bars
- Open Water
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Points and Break Lines
- Rocks
- Shoreline Shallows
- Springs Holes
- Sunken Objects
- Walkways and Bridges
How to catch Freshwater Drum
When fishing for freshwater drums, be aware that they can often be found foraging on the bottom, looking for food. Look for them at the bottom of clear, shallow waters with some vegetation. Freshwater drums aren’t hard to catch, and don’t fight that hard once they are on the line. For this reason, medium gear will work fine for these fish. Those using a spinning or baitcasting reel should choose 10- to 20-pound-test mono line.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Freshwater Drum:
- Drift Fishing
- Still Fishing
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Freshwater Drum
The best baits to use for freshwater drums include crayfish tails, cutbait, and nightcrawlers.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Freshwater Drum:
- Cut Bait
- Jigs
- Insects
- Minnows
- Plugs
- Soft Plastic Baits
- Spoons
